A recent surge in San Diego’s cost of living has placed it at the forefront of the nation’s most expensive cities. Over the past six years, residents have faced a remarkable 20.3% rise in living costs, which is the largest increase among major U.S. cities since 2019.
According to Fox 5 SanDiego, this dramatic increase has raised significant concerns about affordability in the city. As housing, energy, and daily expenses continue to climb, residents are grappling with the long-term impact on their financial stability.
The Numbers Behind San Diego’s Price Surge
According to a study by GOBankingRates, the annual cost of living in San Diego has jumped from $86,971 in 2019 to $104,654 in 2025. This translates into a significant financial burden for residents, who have seen substantial increases in housing, energy, and food prices.
Notably, the monthly cost of living has risen by 20.3% over the past six years, marking San Diego’s increase as the most significant among major U.S. cities.
San Diego’s rapid inflation is largely driven by rising housing costs, which are among the highest in the nation. Additionally, energy prices in California, along with supply chain issues, have exacerbated the overall cost of living.
Local economic experts highlight these factors as key contributors to the city’s escalating inflation rates.
Chip Lugo, from WalletHub, noted,
San Diego has one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. Of course, California’s energy prices are among the highest in the nation, and also supply chain issues.
Comparing San Diego to Other U.S. Cities
When compared to other major cities, San Diego’s increase is notably steep. While cities like San Jose have also seen a rise in living costs, their increases are not as substantial as San Diego’s.
The inflation rate in San Diego surpasses cities such as Boston, New York, and Riverside, further solidifying its position as the city with the highest financial pressures. Here are some comparative figures for other cities :
- Boston: The cost of living has increased from $81,647 in 2019 to $82,506 by 2025, showing a 1.1% rise.
- San Jose: The 2019 annual total cost of living was $124,628, which is projected to rise to $138,599 in 2025, a 11.2% increase.
- Miami: The 2019 cost was $66,235, with a forecasted increase to $72,838 by 2025, reflecting a 10% rise.
- Los Angeles: From $94,900 in 2019 to $99,076 in 2025, an increase of 4.4%.
- Honolulu: The 2019 cost was $120,021, projected to rise to $123,064, marking a 2.5% increase.
- Long Beach, California: From $87,521 in 2019 to $90,176 in 2025, a 3% increase.
- Raleigh, North Carolina: A 4% increase from $51,455 in 2019 to $53,501 by 2025.
- Nashville, Tennessee: The rise from $53,502 in 2019 to $54,673 represents a 2.2% increase.
- Fresno, California: From $50,329 in 2019 to $51,289 in 2025, a modest 1.9% increase.
For many residents, the sharp increase in living expenses has forced difficult financial decisions. The cost of housing, in particular, continues to outpace wage growth, leaving many residents struggling to maintain their quality of life.
Moreover, the impact of inflation has been felt across a range of sectors, from food prices to everyday goods, making life increasingly expensive.
Despite the financial strain, experts remain cautious about potential solutions. While slowing down the economy may ease inflation, it could also lead to job losses and other economic disruptions.
The city’s residents continue to face an uncertain economic future, with no clear resolution to the rising cost of living in sight.
Alan Gin, an economics professor at the University of San Diego, echoed these concerns, adding,
Prices have been rising rapidly here in San Diego, particularly the cost of housing. Food prices too, surprisingly, have increased here as well.
He further explained that while a slowing economy could ease inflation, it could come with the trade-off of job losses.
