San Diego, California
In San Diego, California, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.79 as of 2026-03-23 — $2.34 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,800, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. San Diego's cost-of-living index of 128 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$5.79
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,800
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$15.50
Combo meal
Electricity
30.5¢/kWh
~$275/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$210/mo
$2,520/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Avian flu volatility | $1.93 | $3.82 | $2.29 | $5.87 | $2.50 | +29.6% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.79 | $3.83 | $3.94 | $3.99 | $4.03 | +6.3% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.55 | $1.67 | $1.74 | $1.80 | $1.85 | +19.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.55 | $5.10 | $5.82 | $6.35 | $6.74 | +48.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $1.62 | $1.76 | $1.87 | $1.96 | $2.05 | +26.3% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.62 | $7.12 | $7.55 | $7.85 | $8.12 | +22.7% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.67 | $6.17 | $6.35 | $6.41 | $6.47 | +14.1% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.48 | $1.81 | $1.88 | $1.96 | $1.96 | +32.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.15 | $4.82 | $5.11 | $5.26 | $5.26 | +26.7% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.91 | $10.80 | $11.90 | $12.74 | $13.25 | +48.7% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.72 | $4.43 | $4.82 | $5.16 | $5.42 | +45.7% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.11 | $4.40 | $4.58 | $4.72 | $4.77 | +16.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.49 | $4.71 | $4.95 | $5.20 | $5.20 | +15.8% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.22 | $2.46 | $2.66 | $2.77 | $2.91 | +31.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.80 | $1.94 | $2.12 | $2.25 | $2.34 | +30.0% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.54 | $6.99 | $7.47 | $7.61 | $7.76 | +40.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.15 | $4.48 | $4.66 | $4.80 | $4.94 | +19.0% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.79 | $5.51 | $5.90 | $6.14 | $6.20 | +29.4% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.31 | $7.42 | $7.85 | $8.40 | $8.65 | +37.1% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$15.50
Casual Dining
$36.00
Monthly Spend
$530
+4.8% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $9.69
$15.50
+60.0%Wendy's
2022: $10.46
$16.74
+60.0%Chipotle
2022: $10.85
$17.36
+60.0%Starbucks
2022: $5.33
$6.51
+22.1%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in San Diego?
Average 1BR: $2,200/mo · 2BR: $3,300/mo
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