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San Diego is a fairly expensive city because it has many things going for it—great weather year-round, access to beaches (which make up much of what makes this city famous), proximity to Mexico Beach, which has some great communities within walking distance from downtown areas where there are plenty of shops plus restaurants galore! Especially for Indian students looking to study in San Diego, it is 21% more expensive than Bangalore. A single student’s cost of living in San Diego is approximately $1,375.
What Is The Cost Of Living In San Diego In 2025?
The living costs in San Diego are higher than the national average. However, living in San Diego is still not as expensive as living in other cities, such as New York City, where you will spend most of your time away from home because of the high costs associated with living there. The table below comprises the monthly breakdown of the individual living expenditures of a student when living in San Diego –
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly $) |
| Off-campus Accommodation | 1500-1600 |
| On-campus Accommodation | 1000-1500 |
| Transportation | 100-150 |
| Food Cost | 300-350 |
| Entertainment | 50-100 |
| Groceries | 30-70 |
| Clothes | 100-200 |
Detailed Breakdown Of The Cost Of Living In San Diego
The cost of living in San Diego can vary depending on your lifestyle and needs. However, to help you prepare financially, we have given a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in San Diego in terms of groceries, transport, and entertainment:
Groceries
If you’re planning to shop for groceries in San Diego, it’s helpful to know the average prices for everyday essentials. From fresh produce to pantry staples, the cost of food items can vary. Here’s a breakdown of typical grocery prices in the city, giving you a clear idea of what to expect when stocking up.
| Groceries | Costs (USD) |
| Milk (regular, 1 litre) | 1 – 2 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2-6 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 2-7 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 3 – 7 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 9 – 26 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 7 – 24 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 9 – 31 |
| Apples (1kg) | 2 – 11 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1 – 4 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 1 – 7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2 – 7 |
| Potato (1kg) | 1 – 10 |
| Onion (1kg) | 2 – 4 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1 – 3 |
| Water | 1 – 3 |
Transport
When it comes to getting around in San Diego, transportation costs can vary depending on your choice of travel. Whether you’re using public transport, taking a taxi, or even considering buying a new car, it’s important to understand the typical expenses. Here’s a breakdown of transportation costs in the city, from bus tickets to fuel prices, to help you budget for your travels.
| Transportation | Cost (USD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 3 – 4 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 70 – 75 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3 – 10 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2 – 3 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 28 – 65 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 1 – 2 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 35,377 – 36,753 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 27,461 – 30,000 |
Entertainment
San Diego offers a wide range of entertainment options for students, including museums, theatres, cinemas, concerts, sports events, and a vibrant nightlife. On average, students can expect to spend between USD 100–USD 200 per month on entertainment, though it’s essential to factor this into your overall cost-of-living budget. Below are some different types of entertainment and their estimated monthly costs.
| Type of Entertainment | Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Museum ticket | 10 – 20 |
| Theatre ticket | 20 – 40 |
| Cinema ticket | 15 |
| Concert ticket | 20 – 50 |
| Sports ticket | 20 – 50 |
| Nightclub entry | 10 – 20 |
| Drink at a bar | 5 – 10 |
Utilities
When planning your monthly expenses in San Diego, it’s important to consider utility and service costs. From basic apartment utilities to mobile phone plans and internet services, these essential expenses can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly costs for utilities and services to help you budget effectively.
| Utilities/Services | Cost (USD) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 320 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 74 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 69 |
Accommodation Costs In San Diego
One of the largest contributors to the cost of living for students in San Diego is housing rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around USD 2,861, though prices vary depending on the type, location, size, and amenities of the accommodation. Generally, living on campus tends to be more expensive than off-campus options, but it comes with benefits like convenience, security, facilities, and social opportunities. For students opting to live off campus, renting an apartment or a room in a shared house or flat are popular choices. Below is the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in San Diego.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
| Studio apartment | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment | 1,900 – 3,600 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Three-bedroom apartment | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| Private room | 800 – 1,200 |
| Shared room | 500 – 800 |
Visa Costs Before Moving To San Diego
The cost of a US visa for Indian applicants varies depending on the type of visa. As of March 2024, the fees range from ₹15,540 to ₹26,460. Here’s a breakdown of common visa types and their fees:
- Tourist, business, student, and exchange visas (including B1/B2) cost $160.
- K visas cost $265. (Allows a foreign citizen to marry a U.S. citizen in the U.S. and become a permanent resident)
- E visas are $205. (Allows entry into and travel within a country)
Starting 1st April 2024, the H-1B visa fee will increase from $460 to $780, and by 2025, the H1B cap registration fee will rise from $10 to $215.
Cost Of Education In San Diego
Educational costs in San Diego can vary significantly depending on the institution and the programme of study. Public universities and community colleges tend to be more affordable, especially for in-state students, while private universities can be more expensive. On average, tuition fees for students range from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 per year, depending on the course and institution.
| College Name | Tuition Fees |
| The University of California | $26330 – $78990 / year |
| The University of San Diego | $27527 – $56250 / year |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $37101 – $43085 / year |
| San Diego State University | $7180 – $28723 |
While San Diego offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for students, it’s essential to be mindful of the cost of living. From housing and utilities to transportation, entertainment, and educational expenses, managing a budget is key to making the most of your time in the city. Understanding these costs in advance will help you plan effectively and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience while studying and living in San Diego.
FAQs
1. Is San Diego expensive to live in?
Yes, San Diego is considered an expensive city to live in, primarily because of high housing costs. Rent, utilities, and transportation can significantly impact your budget. However, other living expenses, like groceries and entertainment, can vary based on personal lifestyle.
2. What is the cost of living in San Diego for Indian students?
The cost of living in San Diego for Indian students can range from USD 1,500 to USD 3,000+ per month, depending on accommodation, utilities, transportation, and personal expenses. Careful budgeting is essential to manage these costs.
3. How much does it cost to live in San Diego per month?
The average monthly cost of living in San Diego ranges from USD 2,500 to USD 4,000, depending on factors like housing, utilities, transportation, and personal spending. Rent is a major expense, especially in the city centre.
4. What Is The Visa Cost In The USA?
Visa costs in the USA range from $160 for tourist and student visas to $780 for H-1B visas starting April 2024.
5. What is a comfortable salary to live in San Diego?
The average annual salary in San Diego is approximately USD 55,830, which breaks down to around USD 4,652 per month. This income is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle, as the cost of living in the city is about USD 4,250 monthly.
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