Salary in San Diego 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living
Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. California state tax verified April 2026.
90
COL Index (NYC=100)
$2,400/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$3,467
State Tax ($80K)
$60,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)
Your Take-Home in San Diego
$
$80,000/yr in San Diego
$5,120/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
California State Tax$3,467
Annual Take-Home$61,441
Is $X a Good Salary in San Diego?
| Annual | Take-Home/mo | Rent/Take-Home | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,425 | 70% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $4,864 | 49% | Workable |
| $100,000 | $6,138 | 39% | Solid |
| $150,000 | $8,630 | 28% | Excellent |
Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.
MIT Living Wage, San Diego (California)
$60,000/yr
Single adult
$155,000/yr
Family of 4
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.
Cost of Living in San Diego, CA (Numbeo Q1 2026)
90 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
85 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
92 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$72/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent
Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in San Diego
La Jolla (premium), North Park ($1,800-3,200), Hillcrest ($2,000-3,500), Mission Hills ($2,000-3,300), Chula Vista ($1,600-2,800)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.
Top Employers in San Diego
UC San Diego, Qualcomm, Sharp Healthcare, General Atomics, Scripps Health
Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.
San Diego vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr
California state income tax: see full rate breakdown at incometaxbystate.comCalifornia paycheck detail: paycheckcalculatorforcalifornia.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros
San Diego Salary FAQ
What is a good salary in San Diego in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in San Diego is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in San Diego, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and California state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in San Diego needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in San Diego?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for San Diego (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in San Diego?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in San Diego pays federal income tax plus FICA. California state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does San Diego have a city income tax?+
San Diego does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does San Diego compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for San Diego (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.