San Diego has an incredible environment with over 200 canyons and hills to explore within it.
This creates some of the most unique urban centers, still in many ways unsettled, in any U.S. locale.
This contributes to San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods and its low-density living area.
If you are thinking of making San Diego your home, check out some of the top pros and cons below!
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Pros of Living in San Diego
1. The Beach is Just Down the Road
Getting to the beach is a cinch in San Diego.
The Pacific Ocean is always at most just down the road.
You will have plenty of opportunities to go surfing, beach swimming, or just enjoy the weather.
Being so close to the beach means you can get there practically any time you like.
It also puts you in a range of prime tanning spaces and exciting beach sports.
This closeness to the Pacific makes San Diego a more relaxed place than somewhere like Los Angeles.
2. Carpool Lanes Make Driving Simpler
San Diego has plenty of carpool lanes, making it easier to share rides.
There are a lot of electric vehicles and many newcomers decide to buy their own.
That is because the city offers special bumper stickers for electric vehicles to drive in the carpool lane even without other passengers.
All of this means it can be easier to get to work or just navigate through the city.
3. There are Tons of Great Destinations Nearby
There are countless things to do in the city itself, but the surrounding area is full of activities, too.
Disneyland is only about an hour and a half away by car.
Big Bear, a beautiful lake renowned for its sights, is just two and a half hours down the road.
Catalina Island is as close as two hours by car or an hour by ferry.
Las Vegas is about four hours, and Yosemite is only about eight hours away.
4. There is a lot of Living Space
San Diego has a higher cost of living than many areas, which poses challenges for newcomers.
However, more than 4,500 square miles of San Diego neighborhoods contain plenty of room for everyone.
Even city locals have rarely explored every part of where they call home.
That is because San Diego neighborhoods feel more like an assembly of towns than one giant city.
The geographical setup makes it simple for like-minded people to congregate.
5. There is a Strong, Thriving Culture
San Diego is home to Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States.
It contains more than a dozen museums, the Globe Theaters, the metropolitan zoological park, and no shortage of spectacular art galleries.
The city boasts numerous public gardens, live symphonies and operas, and more than 7,000 restaurants.
This makes San Diego a great place to experience the widest breadth of California culture.
6. The Food is Amazing
The restaurant and catering industry in San Diego is cut from its own cloth.
Mexican dining options are plentiful with close proximity to the Mexican border.
But with more than 7,000 restaurants, there are cuisines available from practically all over the world.
Few places can boast the culinary diversity and density that San Diego possesses.
Almost every major street corner hosts food trucks year-round, too, for great on-the-go options.
7. There is Always Something Fun to do
San Diego is home to a large number of social and cultural events.
Hardly a week goes by without one or more local events grabbing the spotlight.
Live bands and professional sports teams touring, beer gardens, horse races, and more than 80 golf courses.
Living in San Diego is the perfect excuse to spend your days in the beautiful outdoors.
8. Craft Beer Lovers are Right at Home
Over 100 licensed craft breweries operate in San Diego, with more opening every year.
San Diego has built up a unique brewpub culture with local brands and activities.
More than being a mere tourist draw, San Diego’s craft beer industry is a major employer and cornerstone of the city’s culture.
Events like the International Beer Competition and Beer Week are held annually.
A number of breweries located in San Diego are rated among the best in the world.
Cons of Living in San Diego
1. Cost of Living is High
San Diego is an expensive place to live.
The average home price has skyrocketed.
It is common to spend half a million dollars or more on an older, undermanaged property in a less preferable part of town.
New homes usually sell for well over a million.
Two-bedroom apartments cost more than $2,200 per month and studios can cost more than $1,500.
Nevertheless, San Diego is still more affordable than other California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
2. Public Transportation Leaves Something to be Desired
Most people who live in San Diego find they need their own car to get around.
While the city has trolleys and buses, its transportation system is not usually the most convenient mode of travel.
They often take much longer to arrive, so owning a car means spending less time on the road.
Those living downtown have more options like the Coaster, which allows residents to see the city for $120 per month.
3. San Diego Airport is Becoming Outdated
The San Diego International Airport is badly in need of updating, especially for a city its size.
Despite high numbers of tourists and residents traveling, the airport only has a single runway to support its air traffic.
This makes flying in and out of San Diego more expensive just like if it were a regional hub airport.
It is quite common for residents to drive to LAX because it costs less to drive and fly from there.
4. There is Dangerous Marine Life
If you visit Black’s Beach, as well as some other spots, you will want to be careful.
Stingrays commonly bury themselves just below the beach sand.
This camouflage makes it impossible to see them as you get in.
Worst cases can cause swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting, tremors, and blood pressure changes.
Living by the beach can have its drawbacks, too!
5. Parking can be a Hassle
Since most households own their own car, San Diego has a parking problem.
Finding a parking spot in the city can be a huge hassle.
This is especially relevant for inner city dwellers who often have to pay for their parking spaces.
Taking the bus requires giving yourself a couple of hours to make sure you get where you are going on time.
Driving might only take half that, but the downside is finding a parking spot in a crowded city.
6. Tourists can be Irritating
Arizona residents visit San Diego constantly to experience the beaches and culture.
Residents are usually able to pick out “Zonies” in a crowd or by the way they drive.
When the summer heat hits Phoenix about four hours away, people pour into San Diego in droves along I-8 to reach the Pacific.
This makes an already difficult driving and parking situation worse.
7. Nobody Knows What to Do in Rain
San Diego is a place with regular weather patterns, making it easy for residents to plan their routines.
Usually, the days are warm and comfortable, and the Pacific remains cool year-round.
When the weather does act up, it can create traffic congestion fast.
People are not used to driving in rain, so even small amounts of precipitation cause more accidents.
8. Construction is a Regular Problem
San Diego is home to thousands of new apartments under construction.
Developers are working throughout the city and construction work is basically year-round.
The constant construction bothers some people who are sensitive to noise or interruptions to their routines.
Construction crews can also cause traffic congestion by blocking off streets and rerouting drivers, which is extremely inconvenient in a traffic-heavy region like San Diego.
Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in San Diego | Cons of Living in San Diego |
|---|---|
| 1. The Beach is Just Down the Road | 1. Cost of Living is High |
| 2. Carpool Lanes Make Driving Simpler | 2. Public Transportation Leaves Something to be Desired |
| 3. There are Tons of Great Destinations Nearby | 3. San Diego Airport is Becoming Outdated |
| 4. There is a lot of Living Space | 4. There is Dangerous Marine Life |
| 5. There is a Strong, Thriving Culture | 5. Parking can be a Hassle |
| 6. The Food is Amazing | 6. Tourists can be Irritating |
| 7. There is Always Something Fun to do | 7. Nobody Knows What to Do in Rain |
| 8. Craft Beer Lovers are Right at Home | 8. Construction is a Regular Problem |
Deciding if San Diego is Right for You
San Diego is a stunning city that offers beautiful weather year-round, a vibrant culture, and constant access to the beach.
However, it is also crowded and expensive, which means that it is not right for everyone.
Make sure to consider the pros and cons of living in San Diego before you start your move!
San Diego Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: San Diego Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far is Downtown From the Airport?
It takes just a few minutes to get to San Diego International Airport from downtown.
The airport is only about 3.5 miles from the heart of downtown and taxi fare usually tops out at $15.
Shuttle companies offer ride services to and from various areas in San Diego County including Lindbergh Field.
There are also plenty of limo and chauffeur services at the airport itself.
How Hard is Travel to Mexico From San Diego?
Many people want to visit Tijuana and Baja California from San Diego.
Visiting Mexico is relatively simple as long as you have a valid passport when you cross the border.
The Trolley is one option to cross the border.
Driving across is also possible but can take much longer because of traffic.
How Should I Dress?
San Diego’s average daily temperature is just about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
That means that you’re free to dress pretty comfortably year-round.
Casual wear and layering apparel are great for the local climate.
Evenings are usually cooler through all four seasons, meaning you should pack light jackets and sweaters.
Temperatures warm up during the day hours, so make sure to bring shorts and swimwear.
What Pro Sports Teams play in San Diego?
San Diego is a great place to live if you are a sports fan.
The city is home to the Padres (baseball), Gulls (ice hockey), the Sockers (indoor soccer), and SoCal Surf (soccer).
This means that there are plenty of events going on throughout the year and a lively sports culture.
What is the City’s Sales Tax Rate?
San Diego currently has a combined sales tax rate of 7.75 percent.
This is significantly higher than the national average of 5.75 percent.
This is one of many contributing factors to San Diego’s high cost of living, and it can make buying groceries and other necessities a struggle for some families.
