Salary Needed to Live in San Diego as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $95,131/year to live comfortably in San Diego, CA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$95,131
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$75,584
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,598
57% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in San Diego
| Expense | San Diego | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $411 | $209 | +97% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $64 | $44 | +45% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $33 | $28 | +18% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $53 | $44 | +20% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $242 | $215 | +13% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $67 | $54 | +24% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,920 | $1,200 | +60% |
| Internet + Phones | $288 | $180 | +60% |
| Children Activities | $400 | $250 | +60% |
| Dining Out | $560 | $350 | +60% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $320 | $200 | +60% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Total Monthly | $4,598 | $2,924 | +57% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,598
Target savings (15%):$1,021/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,619
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$95,131
Other Household Types in San Diego
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in San Diego?
A family with kids needs approximately $95,131/year ($7,928/month gross) to live comfortably in San Diego with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in San Diego?
A 3br apartment/house in San Diego costs approximately $411/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is San Diego affordable for a family with kids?
San Diego is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 57% more salary than the US median.