What I Spend in a Week Living in San Diego

🏡 Setting the Scene

San Diego is amazing — but the cost? That’s a different story. With a cost of living much higher than the national average and rent prices that’ll make you sweat, managing a weekly budget here takes real planning. Here’s what a realistic week of spending looks like for a solo person living in the city.

📅 Weekly Budget Breakdown

Let’s break down a typical weekly spend for someone working or studying full-time in San Diego:

🏠 Housing (Rent + Utilities)

Monthly rent (1‑bedroom): ~$2,700 → Weekly cost: $675
Utilities (electric, water, internet): ~$400/mo → Weekly: $100

Total weekly housing/utilities = $775

🥦 Groceries & Food

Groceries: ~$100
1 coffee/day (~$6) → $42
2 casual meals out/wk (~$15 each) → $30

Total food = $172 per week

🚗 Transportation

Gas/fuel: ~$50/week
Or public transit pass: ~$18/week

Transportation = $50–68 weekly

💊 Health, Misc. & Entertainment

Health insurance or co-pays: ~$15/week
Streaming or gym: $10–15/week
Random café, drinks, etc.: ~$20

Total = $45–50/week

🧾 Weekly Cost Summary

Expense Category	Weekly Cost
Rent + Utilities	$775
Food + Coffee + Dining	$172
Transportation	$50–68
Health + Misc.	$45–50
Total per week	$1,042–$1,065

🎯 Monthly Estimate

That’s roughly $4,170–$4,260 per month, or about $50,000+ per year. And that’s without including savings, unexpected costs, or splurges.

💡 Money-Saving Tips

Cook at home more often
Use public transit or carpool
Cut down on delivery and coffee runs
Shop smart — bulk buy essentials and look for deals

Saving $50–100 per week can make a huge impact over time.

💬 Final Thoughts

Living in San Diego is pricey, but with the right habits, it’s doable. Whether you’re making $45K or $75K, budgeting matters — and even small changes can go a long way.

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Moushi is here to help you live better without overspending. From local gems to real-life tips, we’ve got your back. App launching soon — stay tuned. 🐻

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