San Diego, California
In San Diego, California, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.89 as of 2026-04-01 — $1.83 above the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,871, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% 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)
$5.89
National: $4.06
Avg Rent (All)
$2,871
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
5.27%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$15.50
Combo meal
Electricity
30.29¢
per kWh · ~$273/mo
Car Insurance
$210/mo
$2,520/yr
Median Household Income
$102,285
42.8% goes to essentials
Car Insurance
Avg $2,520 in San Diego. Compare rates:
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Avg rent $2,871/mo in San Diego. Browse listings:
Grocery Prices
Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present
National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓
Eggs (dozen)
Avian flu volatility
$2.58 BLS avg
Milk (gallon)
$4.10 BLS avg
$3.99 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS)
Bread (loaf)
$1.84 BLS avg
$2.99 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS)
Ground Beef (lb)
$6.75 BLS avg
Chicken Breast (lb)
$2.04 BLS avg
$5.00 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS)
Bacon (lb)
$8.12 BLS avg
Cheddar Cheese (lb)
$6.47 BLS avg
Pasta (lb)
$1.96 BLS avg
Rice (5 lb)
$5.26 BLS avg
Coffee (12 oz)
$13.25 BLS avg
Orange Juice (64 oz)
Citrus shortage
$5.42 BLS avg
Potatoes (5 lb)
$4.77 BLS avg
Apples (3 lb)
$5.20 BLS avg
Tomatoes (lb)
$2.91 BLS avg
Lettuce (head)
$2.34 BLS avg
Cooking Oil (48 oz)
$7.76 BLS avg
Yogurt (32 oz)
$4.94 BLS avg
Cereal (family size)
$6.20 BLS avg
Frozen Pizza
$8.65 BLS avg
| Item | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2022 | 2026 | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Avian flu volatility | — | — | — | — | — | $1.93 | $2.58 | +156.4% |
| Milk (gallon)$3.99 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS) | — | — | — | — | — | $3.79 | $4.10 | +44.6% |
| Bread (loaf)$2.99 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.55 | $1.84 | +104.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.55 | $6.75 | +354.4% |
| Chicken Breast (lb)$5.00 @ Ralphs - Downtown San Diego (RALPHS) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.62 | $2.04 | +93.5% |
| Bacon (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $6.62 | $8.12 | +22.7% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.67 | $6.47 | +14.1% |
| Pasta (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.48 | $1.96 | +32.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.15 | $5.26 | +26.7% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $8.91 | $13.25 | +48.7% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | — | — | — | — | — | $3.72 | $5.42 | +45.7% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.11 | $4.77 | +16.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.49 | $5.20 | +15.8% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $2.22 | $2.91 | +31.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.80 | $2.34 | +30.0% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.54 | $7.76 | +40.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.15 | $4.94 | +19.0% |
| Cereal (family size) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.79 | $6.20 | +29.4% |
| Frozen Pizza | — | — | — | — | — | $6.31 | $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: $2,354/mo · 2BR: $3,388/mo
Local Workforce
2024 · BLS QCEWTotal Jobs
1537k
Median Weekly Pay
$1,593
$83k/yr
Top Sector
Professional & Business Services
Household vs Worker Pay
$102k
household median
Employment by Sector — San Diego
% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend
~$120k/yr
~$65k/yr
~$64k/yr
~$39k/yr
~$118k/yr
Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 06073
Highest Paying Sector
Professional & Business Services
$2,300/wk · $120k/yr
Most Workers (lowest wage)
Leisure & Hospitality
$747/wk · $39k/yr
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