Salary Needed to Live in San Diego as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $43,770/year to live comfortably in San Diego, CA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$43,770
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$36,575
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,225
53% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in San Diego
| Expense | San Diego | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $269 | $137 | +96% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $39 | $27 | +44% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $22 | $19 | +16% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $42 | $35 | +20% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $242 | $215 | +13% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $67 | $54 | +24% |
| Internet | $104 | $65 | +60% |
| Phone (×2) | $224 | $140 | +60% |
| Dining & Social | $720 | $450 | +60% |
| Entertainment | $288 | $180 | +60% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $208 | $130 | +60% |
| Total Monthly | $2,225 | $1,452 | +53% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,225
Target savings (12%):$363/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,588
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$43,770
Other Household Types in San Diego
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in San Diego?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $43,770/year ($3,648/month gross) to live comfortably in San Diego with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in San Diego?
A 1-2br apartment in San Diego costs approximately $269/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is San Diego affordable for a couple (no kids)?
San Diego is above the national average for couple (no kids) living costs, requiring 53% more salary than the US median.