San Diego, CA
Population 1,385,061 · California
About San Diego, CA
San Diego is a major city in California with a population of 1,385,061 residents. The median household income is $104,321 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in San Diego is 36 years.
Housing in San Diego has a median home value of $848,500 and median monthly rent of $2,223. Of the 559,653 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 248,395 owner-occupied and 273,751 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in San Diego is 5.9% and the poverty rate is 11.1%. 49.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.9 minutes.
How San Diego Ranks in California
Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
Compared to national averages, San Diego has a median household income of $104,321 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $848,500, which is 246% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,223 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Diego's income is 7% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 30% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Diego, CA?
San Diego offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,321, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $848,500. However, as a major city, San Diego provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
San Diego has a population of 1,385,061 with a median age of 36 years. Compare San Diego with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Diego
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 990,054 | $141,565 | $1,187,800 | Compare |
| San Francisco | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
What is the population of San Diego, CA?
The population of San Diego, CA is 1,385,061 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego, CA is $104,321 per year.
What is the median home value in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego, CA is $848,500.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
The median monthly rent in San Diego, CA is $2,223.
What is the unemployment rate in San Diego?
The unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 5.9%.