What Does $100 Buy in San Diego? (Brace Yourself)

Let’s be real—$100 used to mean something. A full tank of gas, dinner, and maybe even a Target splurge. In San Diego? It gets you a reality check.

Here’s what $100 actually buys you in America’s Finest (and most expensive) City in 2025:

1. Barely a Full Tank of Gas

  • Gas in SD right now? Around $5.50/gallon
  • Cost to fill a mid-size car: $75–$90
    Congrats, you still have like $10 left. Go wild.

2. 3 Iced Lattes + a Muffin

  • Iced latte: ~$6.50
  • Muffin or pastry: ~$4
  • Repeat that 3 times and you’re already over $100
    Your caffeine addiction is a luxury lifestyle now.

3. One Nice Dinner for Two (Maybe)

  • Appetizer: $14
  • Entrées: $22–$30 each
  • Drinks: $13–$17 each
  • Tax + tip: Don’t forget
    Date night? Cute. Until you realize you can’t afford dessert.

4. Groceries for Like… 3 Days

  • Eggs: $6.49
  • Bread: $5
  • Chicken: $10
  • Veggies, fruit, snacks, drinks: Add it all up
    $100 at Trader Joe’s is a small bag and a deep sigh.

5. One Target Run That Spirals

  • One candle: $11
  • Basic skincare: $20
  • Random snacks: $30
  • Oversized water bottle you didn’t need: $17
    Welcome to San Diego’s version of budgeting.

6. 3.5% of Your Rent

  • Avg 1BR rent in SD: ~$2,800/month
  • $100 = Not even 4% of that
    A crisp Benjamin barely covers your Wi-Fi.

So… What Does $100 Really Get You?

Honestly? A glimpse of how expensive San Diego has become.
You’re not crazy — prices are. But somehow, we all stay. Maybe it’s the beach, maybe it’s denial. Either way, if you’ve stretched $100 in SD, you deserve an award.

📲 Stay Tuned for Moushi

We’re not just breaking down cost of living—we’re showing you where your money actually goes. From local eats to hidden gems worth every penny, the Moushi app is dropping soon.

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