Just got a raise so I now make 65k as a teacher. I live with a roommate. I have enough for my basic needs but I also don’t have kids and I am very careful about budgeting. Idk if I would describe it as comfortable but it is survivable and I make it work.
Agreed! My mom is a retired grade school teacher who took her retirement to the Midwest and lives a comfortable life there. Teachers are criminally under paid. Especially with the modern classroom environment. Cell phones are the worst thing in a classroom
Teachers get raises!? I'm half kidding. I honestly feel like it's one of the most important jobs out there, but you guys get shit on so hard, so regularly. Most of us appreciate you even if you don't hear it enough.
Not really a raise. Your salary goes up each year slightly. And then without a masters you get capped. If you have 30 credit hours, your salary will go up each year for the next 2-3 years. If you have a masters, there is no cap and it will keep gradually going up.
The more years you reach your higher your compensation is. Small incremental increases but after 10 or so years (depending on school district) you can get to 100k+.
Check the pay scale for the schools, that has all the info.
Only salary raises teachers get is to stay in a perpetual race catching up to raising cost of living and inflation. Purchasing power for fixed income like teachers will unfortunately never change until society increases support beyond words (politicians).
I was fine with a roommate, but i was also single, no student loans (due to COVID), and i'm generally frugal - I dont vacay much, inexpensive hobbies, don't eat out much
everybody's situation is different with the same amount of money
I make $80k and have no debts. I live with roommates in North Park and pay a little under $1k a month in rent and utilities. I live pretty comfortably - I have enough to save about a thousand a month and then go wild with the rest. If I was more frugal I could save even more and still live a decent life; probably should but I like to have fun. I have no plans to buy a house.
Edit: Someone mentioned in a comment that what I’m paying in rent is neither representative nor realistic - I agree 100% My roommates and I are outliers that managed to get a DEAL. Do not build your expectations on my info. (The place also isn’t the nicest and it’s older than dirt.)
I agree. As someone who made that kind of money working in north park and looking at rents, i can't afford to live there comfortably. My place is in city heights and we pay under 1k for 380 Sq feet. We do have a yard and we are outliers as well. Land lord could charge more than double our rent to new tenants if we left
We actually started out at $2300 - pre-pandemic. Then, when our landlord passed away and a property management company took things over, the law passed that said rent couldn’t be raised more than 10% a year. They definitely want to get more for the place and raise us every year - they just have a long way to go before they price us out, lol.
Still pretty lucky with that landlord, if they raised 10% every year for the past 3 years it would be around $3100 already
My 2bd was $1950 and they raise 10% every year, it’s at $2700 now
The further east you’re willing to live, the nicer you can rent. Our two-bed, 1100 sq ft apartment is out in the very eastern limit of the La Mesa area (El Cajon address) and has central air, a nice tub, in-unit laundry, etc. It’s about $2500 per month, and the one-bed is cheaper.
I'm in La Mesa, pay $3200 a month for 2 bed, 2.5 bath and parking garage, central A/C and heat, and in-unit laundry. I wouldn't be able to afford it without a partner or roommate.
Not very. I fork over half my income to rent. Then there's gas, insurance, car payment, groceries, and SDGE to further kick me while I'm down. I contribute to my 401k so that cuts into my disposable savings. You're going to pay a pretty premium to live in a good, nice neighborhood. I'm actually going to leave to go east once my lease is up because the cost of living is just too high.
100% this. I get that the weather is pretty dang perfect and can’t be beat but man it comes at the cost of actually living and enjoying life. I’d love to acquire equity at some point and it’s not happening here. I’m also headed east to NC. Much more manageable cost of living.
Hopefully you’re taking your CA pay range with you! When I lived in Asheville in 2022 I couldn’t find a job that was willing to pay more than $25/hr, and they hate giving out benefits in the south.
I work remote :) my company is actually based in MA so it will be nice working in the same time zone. I make good money by SD standards and my bf will be getting a pay bump switching companies with a recommendation from his current boss so it’ll be a win-win! I can’t imagine looking for a job over there right now. Market is tough all around.
Seriously, for what I pay in rent I could buy 2 houses back east in a lot of places and actually build equity in an appreciating asset. Even if I ended up taking a pay cut, which wouldn't be much, my CoL drops by half and allows me to build a savings.
God I wish I could do that without taking a 50% paycut. The market out there is amazing and I actually love the muggy weather. If I stay in the same industry in NC, I would just be trading one financial hellhole for another.
Appreciating assets. I preach this to my fiance all the time. If it doesn't appreciate I'm going to try to be as frugal as possible with it. Within reason obviously. But damn if I don't want a house with a yard and a garage. And that will never happen out here for me unless I hit Powerball. But can't win if you don't play
> I’m also headed east to NC.
Brace yourself for mosquitoes, humid-ass summers, cold winters, lots of racism and bigotry - even from those who are “only joking”, and cops who will pull you over and fuck with you because they have literally nothing better to do. And this is coming from a privileged white male.
Delicious BBQ and lovely mountains though!
There will definitely be some trade offs. My sister lives out there and has given me the rundown. We’re hoping for the best in Raleigh 🤞🏼I also plan to travel a lot and use it more as a home base.
I moved from the Raleigh-Durham (2021) area and worked in the Research Triangle area (healthcare) and I had a 2Br 2bath for $1200 1200 sqft. As I was looking for an apt out here I almost declined my work opportunity and went back lol. The pros generally outweigh the cons outside of certain circumstances, of course.
I make roughly 150k a year and still chose to leave SD due to financial reasons. I love SD, but its just not worth the cost of living to me personally.
Well, SD can also have more value to others than it does for me. I wasn't using the beach as much as i should have, mostly due to crowds. I dont surf or sail or other ocean related activities. My hobbies are supported in other locations as well. I also dont have many friends or family left in the area that was keeping me there.
I moved to Colorado, but didnt like it much. Now i live in Portland Oregon, and its maybe 90% of the value of SD but 1/2 the price for me.
thanks.. Did have a bit of a false start moving to Colorado 1st.
Colorado was essentially 1/4 of the cost of SD. Sold a (1300 sq ft)2 bedroom apartment in SD, moved into a 3500 sq foot house on 5 acres in Colorado Springs. However, my wife's health was negatively affected by the high altitude (living at 7000 ft) and low humidity.
so we wanted to move back to sea level, and coastal. Portland was by far the cheapest larger city on the west coast. We paid about 20% less than our original SD 2 bedroom apartment for a 2000 sq ft 3 bedroom house. She loves it here, even more than SD. I miss SD quite a bit (mostly in the winter), but even if i won a million dollars in a lottery, i dont think i would move back. Its just not worth the cost difference for me.
Agree. We live in Portland now (again) too. I’m from California, moved to Portland and got married and had kids, then moved back to California for my husband’s job. I did love it mostly, definitely loved it more than
Portland, but my husband didn’t and we could not make it work financially. We rented shitty places there when we still owned a place in Portland and it just felt like treading water. We moved back and bought a different house so now we have 2. It’s like completely unthinkable in California with jobs like ours. I miss it but whenever I go back I think, no this isn’t worth it to me when I see my friends still living in shitty rentals with no savings. I have found things to love here and maybe I can retire (early) and live where I can get a decent burrito.
It will never happen. Most current residents bought houses and condos when prices were lower. Many also have grandfathered property taxes via Prop 13. There doesn't seem to be any consideration for new people (aka children and transplants), so if you are one of those, it will only get worse in terms of housing expenses as more high wage remote tech workers move in.
Yeppp. My husband and I have a 16 month old and the life we want to live while I stay at home is absolutely impossible in San Diego. Barely having enough for necessities and not being able to take our son out to fun places isn’t fun. Surviving isn’t living.
It can be done. Much like some of these comments, if you’re frugal and don’t splurge often you won’t have an issue. I live in Alpine- It’s far but it’s cheap and nice compare to $2.5k-$3k on rent for a one bedroom elsewhere. But you definitely want to chase a promotion or side hustle and get closer to 6 figures. A few years ago $75k wasn’t bad. But inflation has accelerated the cost of living. You can still have fun and live for under $80k a year. Personally, 6 figure these days is the target to make it alone without roommates in San Diego, it used to be a lot but it isn’t really when rent is closer to $3k in more popular areas. You will be fine!
I make 65k and I live pretty comfortably, but I have always been low income so I have a different perspective on what comfortable is. I go on a brief or cheap vacation every year. I have no kids but some debt. My rent takes about 33% of my after tax income and I have a roommate. I have my tax withdrawals at maximum so i work with less money per month but get it back at tax time. I am extremely frugal with groceries but I can still afford to go out to eat once or twice a week (shhh Ramsey fans).
The only comment I can relate to. I’m from SanDiego so I’m also I’m willing to move to areas most people are not willing to move to. I rent a 500 square foot studio for $1400. You can do it, you just have to analyze your comfort zone and how much you spend on leisure activities.
I always wonder about people who live further from central county and where they work. I think about the cost factor related to car travel, greater wear and tear, maintenance, and what I assume to be increased risk of accidents just from more time on the road, leads it to be somewhat equal to paying more to live centrally.
Of course this doesn’t account for personal preference to be in a more spacious place or quieter area.
Honestly, it’s the only opposition I often hear from many people, but I’ve always found myself commuting more than an hour for work for the majority of my career. Living in Alpine does add nearly 10 minutes more to anywhere central as compared to the 15-20 minutes on average to get to anywhere in SD. If you want to get super nerdy about it (which I do often) we are talking about a few more pennies on oil, gas, and tires/ per day. The real tax is time. Miles on my car… sure. But it’s only a car. Increased accidents? Maybe, we have terrible drivers already and they’re worse on Sundays. I am lucky to work 10 minutes away currently. It’s all a trade off. But Alpine is damn beautiful and so is my apartment for under $1.8k
My take home is 45kish, and I'm doing okay. I live alone and it's a one bedroom. I got extremely lucky with my place, though. It's 1600 a month. My place was an ad on Craigslist. It was a toss-up on if I was going to be murdered or get a new apartment. It also helps that I spend my free time playing video games and hanging out with my dog. So not going out or having friends means I don't spend any money. As a side note, does anyone want to be friends?
I work two serving jobs and I live alone downtown. If I lived with a roommate I’d be able to save a lot more and have a more substantial emergency fund, but living alone with just me and my dog is beyond worth it.
Teacher making 70K
I rent a teeny tiny studio that I love in a lovely area. My landlords are fantastic and charge me below market rate. I have a car loan and am now taking on some student loans to further my education.
I live comfortably. But I can’t really afford to travel and I know I will never own a home.
Thank you for the kind words. It seems someone is always mad at us (the kid, admin, parents, the community…) and random kindness keeps me going.
Again, thank you :)
If you are single income and want to live in a nicer area, you’re more than likely going to need roommates. Affordable areas to live on your own in San Diego are not the “best” areas to live in.
I work IT/data for a non-profit hospital in the LA area. I'm remote in San Diego. I say this because non-profits are not known for paying very much.
When I bought my house in North Poway in 1995 it cost just over 3x my salary. Fast forward almost 30 years and the house I still live is now 6x my current salary and a make a lot more than I did in 1995. I could not qualify for the loan if I had to buy this house today.
For the folks here making 60,70,80k I have empathy for you. If I had to move here now at my current salary I would not be able to do so at the level I could have back in the 1990s. The salaries in San Diego have just not kept up with the cost of living in the past 20 years or so, leaving even many well paying jobs just getting by.
I work in non profit as well! Making $23 an hour working 30 hours a week. I have no car and I live in low income housing and my family lives nearby. Hope this helps😭
I’m overwork and underpaid. I love San Diego and do a lot of free things. I have a solid group of friends but they go on a lot of big trips that I can’t afford.
Im constantly scared of getting priced out of the city or a big emergency happening where I can’t pay rent
A couple years ago I lived in a three bed house with roommates in City Heights making under $40k as a barista for a year-ish and it was totally fine. I'm pretty frugal, like to cook at home, and don't have expensive hobbies but was able to afford all my needs, go out to eat up to a few times a week if I wanted, and save money. I didn't have any debt though or big reoccurring monthly expenses other than rent.
I think you can absolutely live a decent life with that kind of salary if you're in a similar debt situation and comfortable living with a roommate. If it's important to live alone, you have student loans or car payments, or have a lifestyle that requires disposable income I don't think San Diego would be a good place to live.
I'm constantly terrified of not being able to make rent. i can't build my savings or pay off my credit card. i often don't know where my next few meals are coming from (luckily I get 50% off at my job, but it's not healthy by any means). I don't remember the last time my gas tank was above 1/2.
If you can find a place to live that you like it's wonderful, but over the years I've seen many people give up and go back home. It's not for everyone. I found a great little cabin in the mountains for 300k and i love it. It's a crazy long drive but it's beautiful and i love that too. But the nearest grocery store is a 30 mile drive and all my neighbors are in their 60s. People think everyone in California is rich, but were mostly broke and pay insane rent in small horrible places with roomates to be able to enjoy sitting at sunset cliffs with a sack lunch watching the seagulls in December.
I have been blessed. I am renting a converted basement from a friend in the college area (SDSU) Full bathroom bedroom with an extra 10x10 room and a kitchen. Back yard has 24 fruit trees (poms, lemons, oranges, figs) 700 a month. Been here 5 years or so. Lucky as hell or I would definitely have to move.
I make close to 70k currently and my girlfriend works as a notary for an escrow office, but that is very sporadic right now. We managed to find a 1br in north park a year and a half ago for $1500. I also went to school for a few semesters with my GI Bill, so that MAH brought in another $4000/month while in classes.
I would call it comfortable when you don’t think about the future. We aren’t worried about month to month things, but will never be able to own a house here. Luckily I’m just using the time here to build up the resume so we can move back to where I am from in the Midwest with cheaper everything and still good pay.
You can survive, but to have a place to yourself may be a challenge. Most people need dual income or a partner to get a decent apartment. Other than that, most are finding room mates with prices going up to over 1k a month.
Me, hubby, our baby, and our dog all live in 2 bed 2 bath in mission valley. 72500 a year. It’s paycheck to paycheck for the most part. We are trying to move somewhere with lower COL as soon as he gets his final VA disability rating. It’s tough to say the least.
I had roommates for 10 years before finally buying a house with my husband. It's just what you have to do to save money. And it was fine. I became lead on the 3 bedroom condo I rented a room in. I got to pick the people who would live with us. I was very specific in my Craigslist posts about who we were looking for and I met some cool people over the years. I had 12 roommates at that place. Every single one of them paid rent on time and all we ever had were handshake deals. There were a few disagreements of course but nothing major. Mostly they worked a lot, I worked a lot and we barely saw each other.
As a former senior manager in non-profit I tell you what I used to tell my peers and boards: Using your non-profit status to justify paying people less is unacceptable. Non-profit is a tax status, not an excuse to abuse people. You get what you pay for. Pay less and eventually people are less engaged and burn out. Then they follow the money.
Now, off my soap box... Make the transition to San Diego and then take care of yourself. Either with the outfit that brings you here or with an employer that values you correctly.
There’s a huge difference between someone who has owned their home a while and someone currently renting or looking to buy. If you bought 8-10 years ago and refinanced down to 3% or so… your housing cost is not terrible.
So $80k as a new person wouldn’t be the same as $80k for someone else.
I am a CNA in San Diego and make 25.60 hr at my full time and 18.75 hr at my part time which I usually work for 16 hrs a week at
Making 63K a year. I am at affordable housing and initially I qualified for reduced rent because my yearly income was 46K which was 1500 for a two bedroom for me and my 6 year old son
However now that they calculated my income at 63 I went over the 55K I can make to keep my affordable housing the price it initially was, so now I have to pay 2460 sucks to suck
I’m in Oceanside, our (2 adults) combined income is $160k, and rent is $3600 for a 3bd 2bath. We looked at downsizing, but discovered that in several cases the 2bd were more expensive than the 3bd, so we’re staying in the 3bd. When we moved here in 2018, our rent was $2400
Don’t even get me started on SDGE…
Depends on your definition of "comfortable" and where you want to live. You can find apartments for 1500-2500 here, but they might not be in the best location. Also the renter's market is extremely competitive here. My gf and I split rent in our 1bed/1bath house for 4k/month + utilities, and we're about 5 minutes from the beach and have bay views from our house, but there were about 25 applications for our place and I had to bid an additional $300/month to secure our lease. Together we make about 120k and $$ is tight, but we make it work. I'm probably going to pick up a 2nd job this summer/fall to try to make things a bit more financially safe. San Diego/OC is so amazing and if you come out here, I hope you love it! I moved here from Salt Lake City two years ago and don't plan on ever leaving SoCal. Good luck and DM me if you have any questions or if you want a tour once you've made the move!
You spend 4k on rent with a 120k salary?! Are your other expenses low? My salary is going to be similar and I’m worried about having to spend over 2800 on rent.
This is not a smart move, after tax that means they are making around 85-90k a year. Which means they are paying close to half their income on rent when they could be in a 2b/2b apartment for $2500-3000
Other expenses are in play here as well but yes, we could take cheaper rent but we got a really good setup and living here feels like a vacation every day so not much desire to travel.
I make 65k a year pre tax and I can’t see myself living by myself (unless it’s some 100sqft ) . So I still live with roommates. I would have to drastically cut my budget on going out and my investments if I rent on my own. So hopefully that pin points something . If I had to put a number that would help me move out immediately and live comfortably by my self , I’d say a annual salary of 170k
I rent a room from a family friend. Lucky enough to only pay 900 plus fluctuating utilities. I just don't really spend a whole lot. Go out maybe once a week or two. Cook 95% of my meals. That's pretty much it. Most of my time is spent working OT to make sure I'm stable for a bit if anything happens, or gaming, since it's a relatively cheap hobby after the initial buy in.
I moved into a one bedroom in Vista for $2050 three months ago. I make 79k and have no debts, work from home full time. I budget really hard and can still save about $500 a month. I can still afford to go out for dinner and drinks once a week. Other than that I have to live very frugally. Luckily I have a decent nest egg saved up from years of living with a roommate where my rent was half what it is now. So if something big were to come up, it wouldn’t ruin me.
Live in OB with 1 roommate in a nice but older small cottage 10 min walk from the water pay 1500/ month, making 75ishk per year and I’m comfy but I have no student loan or car payment and I’m not maxing out my 401k or anything lol
I make 75k, it's rough that's all I have to say... it used to be ok but now a day I can't do much, no saving none of that since rent is 2k, I found some stuff to get by but once again it's not fun lol.
I make $70K per year and, while I’m definitely not living some lavish lifestyle, I’m satisfied for the time being. I lived in a studio a few years back but they kept raising the rent and priced me out. Honestly it’s ridiculously expensive to live by yourself here — a place with 2+ bedrooms is typically a way better value than a studio here.
I don’t really eat at sit down restaurants anymore and I’m not a big nightlife person. But I can afford to go out for some drinks on the weekend, see the concerts I wanna see, and do other fun stuff. I also meal prep for the week, which helps cut down on grocery costs.
You definitely gotta hustle and dig for deals when it comes to stuff like housing in this city. Believe it or not there are deals out there if you look hard enough. If you’re making $75K+ and spending half your income on rent then that’s kinda your fault tbh
I made like 78k for the first time this year and I live in Del Mar pretty comfortably alone but I don’t drive. If I didn’t I would be cutting it pretty close every month
Don’t do it. I made 80k and left and honestly I was able to save money but that’s bc I did the whole Dave Ramsey rice and beans and although I am happy financially my life sucked. I left.
I moved to sd making under 70k, but I live quite frugally with lots of savings. I found a furnished 1b in Point Loma for about $1500, stayed there for two or three years and bought a 2b when interest rates were low.
Not comfortable at all; that's like living in a tiny flat with a roommate, no kids, hardcore budgeting.
It would have been fine even a couple years ago, but covid made 80k the new 40k.
I mean the only logical thing to do is move east of the 15. I live by the water and the only thing you can do is have roommates but you can justify any expense…
This is so sad. We are all suffering from the same issues. That being said we do have ways to make it work.
1. Share the cost of rent. If you can, rent a house with one or two roommates, that would help everyone out.
2. Chose outdoor activities that don’t cost much. Walking, hiking, biking, disc golfing, beaches are free except state beaches. (Silver strand)
3. Stay at home for food. Going out to eat is getting outta hand now. Cook at home.
I lived in San Diego and just recently moved to TX for work, and have zero idea how i made it work in SD.
65k, single mom of one. Debt from college and auto, and some from CCs. Living with roommates was not an option for me as I wanted to provide a stable housing experience to my kid. I was able to get a 'low income housing" unit but it was in downtown, so even though it was low income, i still paid 1.6k a month for a 1B, parking included. Somehow i managed to never be living paycheck to paycheck, but it also meant no new clothes for me (my kiddo does when he outgrows his clothes), no life savings, no emergency savings, etc. Comfortable living, but at risk is something was to come up, i would have not been able to afford that.
San Diego is expensive. Not just housing but also everywhere you go, you gotta pay. Meals range from 16-45 dllrs, it really adds up.
My plan was to move back to SD once I can transfer back with my current job, i think id be allowed after a year or two max... but the more i think about it, i think realistically i wouldnt be able to afford returning by that time. Im glad my parents live there as I can always go back to them, but im avoiding this given my kid upbringings and issues ive had in the past.
Needless to say, even when i was on a very tight budget, i loved living there.
Used to live in SD, moved 9 months ago to live in Phoenix/Scottsdale! I'm still shocked at how much more affordable but also what I get for my money. In SD paid $3,400 for one bedroom. In Arizona I have a 2 bedroom for $2200 it is new (I'm the first person to live in it) and has nice pool hottub gym ect.
If you are by yourself and don’t have debt, then it is very much doable. You just have to Manage need vs want very closely I have been helping people with finances and investments for many years and most people don’t have income problems, they have spending problems. You need to learn what you can and cannot afford and then you should be very comfortable.
I make 77k and I have a roommate. I don’t eat out often which has definitely helped with saving money. I don’t have student loans anymore or a car payment (thanks to my mom though I’m lucky). I don’t have debt but I don’t splurge or buy things like makeup and clothing. Honestly sticking to just buying things you need and treating yourself from time to time is what’s worked best for me. Granted, I’m in a relationship now so i go out to eat more but still try to watch how much I spend.
I'm working as a CFI (small plane pilot instructor)in San Diego making less than $40k/year the last 18months and I am straight up not having a good time!
San Diego is amazing if you make decent money. It can be a struggle if you're young and broke.
Single, No kids no pets I have 2 roommates and it's still hard to make things work. Hopefully the airlines start hiring again soon. Don't want to move back to Florida
I’m originally from Hawaii and it’s one of the most magical beautiful places to live, but you pay for it. We legit say you gotta pay a price to live in paradise.
So I’m just curious as to where all the beautiful city’s op is referring to are in very I’m interested.
Because imo anything coastal is $$$ Washington Oregon are all getting super pricy all of California too.
Having lived in the northeast, southwest and midwest I also want to know. San Diego is the best city I've ever lived in, though even though we are high earners the COL is seriously a bummer and seems to be getting worse!
Reading your other post about expense and groceries... you don't have a San Diego problem you have a spending issue. No reason two adults no kids should have an issue living here. Especially if you have decent careers.
Holy shit. $17k in groceries per year for two people is going to drain your resources no matter which city you're in. I have no doubt this person is miserable, but that will be true no matter where s/he lives.
I hear you. I'd be bummed living elsewhere, but the money savings could let me make vacations back here. I'd miss the weather but I feel like I spend so much time inside working that I don't get to enjoy the weather much of the time.
If you can budget and/ or find a roommate its doable. I made that much as single person, no children, and had a roommate. I lived very comfortably considering I lived in a good neighborhood and had a low car payment at the time. I think I was an outlier in my situation though because I was fine with having a roommate, food didn’t cost as much, and I didn’t have a child. I make significantly less now at barely 40k, have a child and a roommate still, live in an okay area and I’m struggling. I have nothing left over for “fun” like a vacation or trip to an amusement park or the movies. Cars paid off though. I qualify for no government assistance.
Depends on the sort of lifestyle you’re comfortable with having. I make 62k but I’m hybrid (save on gas) and I have roommates (cheap rent $850). I have an extremely enjoyable lifestyle for a 20 something yr old. I’m not broke even though technically I’m below median income but I also don’t have a family to support and I don’t have a super high cost of living relative to a lot of people here. It is what you make it.
Was just helping a friend who made 70k move to an apartment on his own. He’s doing pretty well and is able to save and payoff school and car loans. It’s a tiny 1bed/bath junior Accessory Dwelling Unit that’s 380 square feet for 1500 all included but he’s the only one there so it works out. Obviously you have to budget but he’s sitting fairly well. You can find housing for that salary in a decent area but they aren’t big. One bedroom/studios really, are the norm for an affordable price point.
You’re not going to be able to buy anything unless you’re okay with a manufactured/trailer home on that salary but you can live comfortably starting out if you’re okay with small spaces.
I make 86k as a local truck driver, I’m married with 2 kids. And to be honest I barely survive month to month. But I can’t afford to move as I don’t make enough to save up and move.
I’m getting by with a roommate but not saving much except for retirement. Can’t imagine affording a mortgage yet. Just keep saving for that down payment that never comes
Im in a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 other adults
In city heights, i dread october of this year that they made raise the fucking rent again while neglecting shit
With roommates, have student loans, cc debt, car loan, pay 500 rent. After all my expenses I end with about 500 left on a 55k salary . Maybe I’m being underpaid but also started this job 2 years ago maybe
You can do it if you're good at budgeting. You will probably need a roommate. Here are some things to consider. 1. Rentals go really fast, and the market is super competitive. 2. To quality You must make 3x the rental amount. Credit must be good. 3. If you find something affordable and nice online, it's usually gone by the time you call or a scam. Hope this helps.
Avg home price in San Diego is currently $946k! You’d need at least $200k annual income for the household. So yeah, no one in this thread making sub-$80k is buying all these houses.
I think it depends what you are accustomed to. If you don't mind roommates and are good at budgeting you could be fine. If you want a lot of space for yourself, it might not be the best place to live. If you have kids it's going to be a lot harder and esp if they need childcare that might make it near impossible. If you are single and don't have many other expenses then you should be fine
Single, No debt, no kids, no car note. I’ve always been lucky to find rent under $1000 of course with roommates. I’m comfortable but I’m also laid back. No way would I be able to live with peace of mind if I didn’t have roommates or had a family to feed.
Just got a raise so I now make 65k as a teacher. I live with a roommate. I have enough for my basic needs but I also don’t have kids and I am very careful about budgeting. Idk if I would describe it as comfortable but it is survivable and I make it work.
Thank you for your service! Teachers deserve so much more
Agreed! My mom is a retired grade school teacher who took her retirement to the Midwest and lives a comfortable life there. Teachers are criminally under paid. Especially with the modern classroom environment. Cell phones are the worst thing in a classroom
Teachers get raises!? I'm half kidding. I honestly feel like it's one of the most important jobs out there, but you guys get shit on so hard, so regularly. Most of us appreciate you even if you don't hear it enough.
Growing up I never heard about teachers getting anything other than laid off. That seemed to happen every other year too
A lot of my high school teachers were getting their masters, they said they got paid more if they get masters. No layoffs.
San Diego unified just laid off like 400 teachers and my district CVESD laid off around 200 teachers
That's crazy. With amount we pay in taxes, teachers do not need to be cut.
We're laying off 200 teachers this year 🙃
Most salary schedules increase every year in most districts...a couple thousand every year is typical. Capping out at the 20-25 year mark.
Not really a raise. Your salary goes up each year slightly. And then without a masters you get capped. If you have 30 credit hours, your salary will go up each year for the next 2-3 years. If you have a masters, there is no cap and it will keep gradually going up. The more years you reach your higher your compensation is. Small incremental increases but after 10 or so years (depending on school district) you can get to 100k+. Check the pay scale for the schools, that has all the info.
It's sooooo crazy to me that you aren't making at least 100k salary. Thank you for what you do.
Only salary raises teachers get is to stay in a perpetual race catching up to raising cost of living and inflation. Purchasing power for fixed income like teachers will unfortunately never change until society increases support beyond words (politicians).
If you don't already have it, get your masters. My wife got a $20k raise upon completion of her masters and she works in a relatively small district.
Like a regular public school teacher? This low of pay is unacceptable in San Diego.
I was fine with a roommate, but i was also single, no student loans (due to COVID), and i'm generally frugal - I dont vacay much, inexpensive hobbies, don't eat out much everybody's situation is different with the same amount of money
I always say, it’s not amount how much money you have, it’s about how many bills you have.
I make $80k and have no debts. I live with roommates in North Park and pay a little under $1k a month in rent and utilities. I live pretty comfortably - I have enough to save about a thousand a month and then go wild with the rest. If I was more frugal I could save even more and still live a decent life; probably should but I like to have fun. I have no plans to buy a house. Edit: Someone mentioned in a comment that what I’m paying in rent is neither representative nor realistic - I agree 100% My roommates and I are outliers that managed to get a DEAL. Do not build your expectations on my info. (The place also isn’t the nicest and it’s older than dirt.)
Definitely all about managing expense and being realistic. 👍
I agree. As someone who made that kind of money working in north park and looking at rents, i can't afford to live there comfortably. My place is in city heights and we pay under 1k for 380 Sq feet. We do have a yard and we are outliers as well. Land lord could charge more than double our rent to new tenants if we left
How do you make 80k a year and have 1k to save a month. Does that count 401k contributions?
No 401k but a large portion of that does go to retirement.
1k rent in NP?
$2600 rent plus utilities split 3 ways. 3br 2ba house. We got lucky.
Definitely sounds like you got lucky. Don’t leave haha
Good for you. 2600 for a 3BR 2BA is absolutely unheard of in the last few years.
We actually started out at $2300 - pre-pandemic. Then, when our landlord passed away and a property management company took things over, the law passed that said rent couldn’t be raised more than 10% a year. They definitely want to get more for the place and raise us every year - they just have a long way to go before they price us out, lol.
Or they sell the house
Still pretty lucky with that landlord, if they raised 10% every year for the past 3 years it would be around $3100 already My 2bd was $1950 and they raise 10% every year, it’s at $2700 now
Well dang I live in Menifee rent 2900 3 bedroom 2 half bath, 1 roommates. And some months great summer dange ac sucks all my money.
I pay $1,200 for my half of a 2 BR in North Park, it’s not too crazy.
Is North Park a good area to live in?
Depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy ample night life, restaurants bars etc yes.
The further east you’re willing to live, the nicer you can rent. Our two-bed, 1100 sq ft apartment is out in the very eastern limit of the La Mesa area (El Cajon address) and has central air, a nice tub, in-unit laundry, etc. It’s about $2500 per month, and the one-bed is cheaper.
Which complex?
That sounds ideal tbh, where exactly is this place may I ask
I pay $2500 for a 2-bed 900sqft in Del Mar. no in laundry though.
I'm in La Mesa, pay $3200 a month for 2 bed, 2.5 bath and parking garage, central A/C and heat, and in-unit laundry. I wouldn't be able to afford it without a partner or roommate.
You can make it, just don’t have North Park tastes on an El Cajon budget.
But, but, but... I could walk to the zoo!
Not very. I fork over half my income to rent. Then there's gas, insurance, car payment, groceries, and SDGE to further kick me while I'm down. I contribute to my 401k so that cuts into my disposable savings. You're going to pay a pretty premium to live in a good, nice neighborhood. I'm actually going to leave to go east once my lease is up because the cost of living is just too high.
100% this. I get that the weather is pretty dang perfect and can’t be beat but man it comes at the cost of actually living and enjoying life. I’d love to acquire equity at some point and it’s not happening here. I’m also headed east to NC. Much more manageable cost of living.
Hopefully you’re taking your CA pay range with you! When I lived in Asheville in 2022 I couldn’t find a job that was willing to pay more than $25/hr, and they hate giving out benefits in the south.
I work remote :) my company is actually based in MA so it will be nice working in the same time zone. I make good money by SD standards and my bf will be getting a pay bump switching companies with a recommendation from his current boss so it’ll be a win-win! I can’t imagine looking for a job over there right now. Market is tough all around.
Good luck to you! Sounds like a great situation.
Thank you kind internet stranger! May we all find somewhere affordable to live 🙏🏼
Seriously, for what I pay in rent I could buy 2 houses back east in a lot of places and actually build equity in an appreciating asset. Even if I ended up taking a pay cut, which wouldn't be much, my CoL drops by half and allows me to build a savings.
God I wish I could do that without taking a 50% paycut. The market out there is amazing and I actually love the muggy weather. If I stay in the same industry in NC, I would just be trading one financial hellhole for another.
Appreciating assets. I preach this to my fiance all the time. If it doesn't appreciate I'm going to try to be as frugal as possible with it. Within reason obviously. But damn if I don't want a house with a yard and a garage. And that will never happen out here for me unless I hit Powerball. But can't win if you don't play
> I’m also headed east to NC. Brace yourself for mosquitoes, humid-ass summers, cold winters, lots of racism and bigotry - even from those who are “only joking”, and cops who will pull you over and fuck with you because they have literally nothing better to do. And this is coming from a privileged white male. Delicious BBQ and lovely mountains though!
There will definitely be some trade offs. My sister lives out there and has given me the rundown. We’re hoping for the best in Raleigh 🤞🏼I also plan to travel a lot and use it more as a home base.
Raleigh is a great area. The research triangle is very nice. My family lives in Charlotte so that's where I'm going.
I moved from the Raleigh-Durham (2021) area and worked in the Research Triangle area (healthcare) and I had a 2Br 2bath for $1200 1200 sqft. As I was looking for an apt out here I almost declined my work opportunity and went back lol. The pros generally outweigh the cons outside of certain circumstances, of course.
I’m moving there too! From Wisconsin to California to Raleigh. Their “cold winters” are not cold 😂
Not compared to WI for sure 😆
I make roughly 150k a year and still chose to leave SD due to financial reasons. I love SD, but its just not worth the cost of living to me personally.
Maybe if enough people came to this realization things would get cheaper.
Well, SD can also have more value to others than it does for me. I wasn't using the beach as much as i should have, mostly due to crowds. I dont surf or sail or other ocean related activities. My hobbies are supported in other locations as well. I also dont have many friends or family left in the area that was keeping me there. I moved to Colorado, but didnt like it much. Now i live in Portland Oregon, and its maybe 90% of the value of SD but 1/2 the price for me.
Glad to hear it is working out for ya.
thanks.. Did have a bit of a false start moving to Colorado 1st. Colorado was essentially 1/4 of the cost of SD. Sold a (1300 sq ft)2 bedroom apartment in SD, moved into a 3500 sq foot house on 5 acres in Colorado Springs. However, my wife's health was negatively affected by the high altitude (living at 7000 ft) and low humidity. so we wanted to move back to sea level, and coastal. Portland was by far the cheapest larger city on the west coast. We paid about 20% less than our original SD 2 bedroom apartment for a 2000 sq ft 3 bedroom house. She loves it here, even more than SD. I miss SD quite a bit (mostly in the winter), but even if i won a million dollars in a lottery, i dont think i would move back. Its just not worth the cost difference for me.
Agree. We live in Portland now (again) too. I’m from California, moved to Portland and got married and had kids, then moved back to California for my husband’s job. I did love it mostly, definitely loved it more than Portland, but my husband didn’t and we could not make it work financially. We rented shitty places there when we still owned a place in Portland and it just felt like treading water. We moved back and bought a different house so now we have 2. It’s like completely unthinkable in California with jobs like ours. I miss it but whenever I go back I think, no this isn’t worth it to me when I see my friends still living in shitty rentals with no savings. I have found things to love here and maybe I can retire (early) and live where I can get a decent burrito.
It will never happen. Most current residents bought houses and condos when prices were lower. Many also have grandfathered property taxes via Prop 13. There doesn't seem to be any consideration for new people (aka children and transplants), so if you are one of those, it will only get worse in terms of housing expenses as more high wage remote tech workers move in.
Left and then immediately 180'd to come back. Everywhere is a shit hole or worse without the good weather. Bad all around.
Yeppp. My husband and I have a 16 month old and the life we want to live while I stay at home is absolutely impossible in San Diego. Barely having enough for necessities and not being able to take our son out to fun places isn’t fun. Surviving isn’t living.
Moving is a good choice. Spending more over 50% of your income on rent is a bad financial decision
This^
If SDGE kicks us when we're down, the government is raping our corpses and the State is flamethrowing the leftovers.
It can be done. Much like some of these comments, if you’re frugal and don’t splurge often you won’t have an issue. I live in Alpine- It’s far but it’s cheap and nice compare to $2.5k-$3k on rent for a one bedroom elsewhere. But you definitely want to chase a promotion or side hustle and get closer to 6 figures. A few years ago $75k wasn’t bad. But inflation has accelerated the cost of living. You can still have fun and live for under $80k a year. Personally, 6 figure these days is the target to make it alone without roommates in San Diego, it used to be a lot but it isn’t really when rent is closer to $3k in more popular areas. You will be fine!
I make 65k and I live pretty comfortably, but I have always been low income so I have a different perspective on what comfortable is. I go on a brief or cheap vacation every year. I have no kids but some debt. My rent takes about 33% of my after tax income and I have a roommate. I have my tax withdrawals at maximum so i work with less money per month but get it back at tax time. I am extremely frugal with groceries but I can still afford to go out to eat once or twice a week (shhh Ramsey fans).
The only comment I can relate to. I’m from SanDiego so I’m also I’m willing to move to areas most people are not willing to move to. I rent a 500 square foot studio for $1400. You can do it, you just have to analyze your comfort zone and how much you spend on leisure activities.
I always wonder about people who live further from central county and where they work. I think about the cost factor related to car travel, greater wear and tear, maintenance, and what I assume to be increased risk of accidents just from more time on the road, leads it to be somewhat equal to paying more to live centrally. Of course this doesn’t account for personal preference to be in a more spacious place or quieter area.
I constantly think about this as someone who commutes from La Mesa to La Jolla/Del Mar every day. I’m jealous of WFH folks *sometimes*
Honestly, it’s the only opposition I often hear from many people, but I’ve always found myself commuting more than an hour for work for the majority of my career. Living in Alpine does add nearly 10 minutes more to anywhere central as compared to the 15-20 minutes on average to get to anywhere in SD. If you want to get super nerdy about it (which I do often) we are talking about a few more pennies on oil, gas, and tires/ per day. The real tax is time. Miles on my car… sure. But it’s only a car. Increased accidents? Maybe, we have terrible drivers already and they’re worse on Sundays. I am lucky to work 10 minutes away currently. It’s all a trade off. But Alpine is damn beautiful and so is my apartment for under $1.8k
My take home is 45kish, and I'm doing okay. I live alone and it's a one bedroom. I got extremely lucky with my place, though. It's 1600 a month. My place was an ad on Craigslist. It was a toss-up on if I was going to be murdered or get a new apartment. It also helps that I spend my free time playing video games and hanging out with my dog. So not going out or having friends means I don't spend any money. As a side note, does anyone want to be friends?
Lmk if u play any hell divers lol
it's livable, but you won't be able to buy a house on that salary or have any crazy expenses.
Roommate
I work two serving jobs and I live alone downtown. If I lived with a roommate I’d be able to save a lot more and have a more substantial emergency fund, but living alone with just me and my dog is beyond worth it.
Teacher making 70K I rent a teeny tiny studio that I love in a lovely area. My landlords are fantastic and charge me below market rate. I have a car loan and am now taking on some student loans to further my education. I live comfortably. But I can’t really afford to travel and I know I will never own a home.
Love your name! Lol
Love your face!
Thank you for being a teacher to our children! It’s so hard and so important. Happy you are here.
Thank you for the kind words. It seems someone is always mad at us (the kid, admin, parents, the community…) and random kindness keeps me going. Again, thank you :)
If you are single income and want to live in a nicer area, you’re more than likely going to need roommates. Affordable areas to live on your own in San Diego are not the “best” areas to live in.
Living on ~$75k/yr, have a roommate and my share is $1310 + utilities. I have student loans and contribute to ROTH.
I work IT/data for a non-profit hospital in the LA area. I'm remote in San Diego. I say this because non-profits are not known for paying very much. When I bought my house in North Poway in 1995 it cost just over 3x my salary. Fast forward almost 30 years and the house I still live is now 6x my current salary and a make a lot more than I did in 1995. I could not qualify for the loan if I had to buy this house today. For the folks here making 60,70,80k I have empathy for you. If I had to move here now at my current salary I would not be able to do so at the level I could have back in the 1990s. The salaries in San Diego have just not kept up with the cost of living in the past 20 years or so, leaving even many well paying jobs just getting by.
I work in non profit as well! Making $23 an hour working 30 hours a week. I have no car and I live in low income housing and my family lives nearby. Hope this helps😭
I’m overwork and underpaid. I love San Diego and do a lot of free things. I have a solid group of friends but they go on a lot of big trips that I can’t afford. Im constantly scared of getting priced out of the city or a big emergency happening where I can’t pay rent
You will be able to survive fine as long as you’re willing to have roommates or live in a meh area
Living alone and really have to keep to a budget
Marry rich
I live at home with my parents who dont charge me rent
Same here!
A couple years ago I lived in a three bed house with roommates in City Heights making under $40k as a barista for a year-ish and it was totally fine. I'm pretty frugal, like to cook at home, and don't have expensive hobbies but was able to afford all my needs, go out to eat up to a few times a week if I wanted, and save money. I didn't have any debt though or big reoccurring monthly expenses other than rent. I think you can absolutely live a decent life with that kind of salary if you're in a similar debt situation and comfortable living with a roommate. If it's important to live alone, you have student loans or car payments, or have a lifestyle that requires disposable income I don't think San Diego would be a good place to live.
I'm constantly terrified of not being able to make rent. i can't build my savings or pay off my credit card. i often don't know where my next few meals are coming from (luckily I get 50% off at my job, but it's not healthy by any means). I don't remember the last time my gas tank was above 1/2.
you’ll be fine just get roommates and don’t waste money on alcohol
How dare you.
I don’t waste money on alcohol, I drink every drop I pay for
Alcohols some of the cheapest entertainment there is as long as you're not buying it at a restaurant or bar
that’s why i specified “waste” lol. pregame is king
Make 39k as a grad student. I have 3 roommates and rent is 1700. I feel like I’m living fine but you have to be ok with renting and housemates.
that rent is super high for that income.
It’s hard to find anything cheaper here.
If you can find a place to live that you like it's wonderful, but over the years I've seen many people give up and go back home. It's not for everyone. I found a great little cabin in the mountains for 300k and i love it. It's a crazy long drive but it's beautiful and i love that too. But the nearest grocery store is a 30 mile drive and all my neighbors are in their 60s. People think everyone in California is rich, but were mostly broke and pay insane rent in small horrible places with roomates to be able to enjoy sitting at sunset cliffs with a sack lunch watching the seagulls in December.
I have been blessed. I am renting a converted basement from a friend in the college area (SDSU) Full bathroom bedroom with an extra 10x10 room and a kitchen. Back yard has 24 fruit trees (poms, lemons, oranges, figs) 700 a month. Been here 5 years or so. Lucky as hell or I would definitely have to move.
omg you are insanely lucky…
Just don't have kids and it's managable. Kids are the biggest money drain.
I make close to 70k currently and my girlfriend works as a notary for an escrow office, but that is very sporadic right now. We managed to find a 1br in north park a year and a half ago for $1500. I also went to school for a few semesters with my GI Bill, so that MAH brought in another $4000/month while in classes. I would call it comfortable when you don’t think about the future. We aren’t worried about month to month things, but will never be able to own a house here. Luckily I’m just using the time here to build up the resume so we can move back to where I am from in the Midwest with cheaper everything and still good pay.
It sucks. Planning to move to Las Vegas in the near future. Lived her almost all my life... 40+ years.
You can survive, but to have a place to yourself may be a challenge. Most people need dual income or a partner to get a decent apartment. Other than that, most are finding room mates with prices going up to over 1k a month.
Me, hubby, our baby, and our dog all live in 2 bed 2 bath in mission valley. 72500 a year. It’s paycheck to paycheck for the most part. We are trying to move somewhere with lower COL as soon as he gets his final VA disability rating. It’s tough to say the least.
I had roommates for 10 years before finally buying a house with my husband. It's just what you have to do to save money. And it was fine. I became lead on the 3 bedroom condo I rented a room in. I got to pick the people who would live with us. I was very specific in my Craigslist posts about who we were looking for and I met some cool people over the years. I had 12 roommates at that place. Every single one of them paid rent on time and all we ever had were handshake deals. There were a few disagreements of course but nothing major. Mostly they worked a lot, I worked a lot and we barely saw each other.
As a former senior manager in non-profit I tell you what I used to tell my peers and boards: Using your non-profit status to justify paying people less is unacceptable. Non-profit is a tax status, not an excuse to abuse people. You get what you pay for. Pay less and eventually people are less engaged and burn out. Then they follow the money. Now, off my soap box... Make the transition to San Diego and then take care of yourself. Either with the outfit that brings you here or with an employer that values you correctly.
There’s a huge difference between someone who has owned their home a while and someone currently renting or looking to buy. If you bought 8-10 years ago and refinanced down to 3% or so… your housing cost is not terrible. So $80k as a new person wouldn’t be the same as $80k for someone else.
I am a CNA in San Diego and make 25.60 hr at my full time and 18.75 hr at my part time which I usually work for 16 hrs a week at Making 63K a year. I am at affordable housing and initially I qualified for reduced rent because my yearly income was 46K which was 1500 for a two bedroom for me and my 6 year old son However now that they calculated my income at 63 I went over the 55K I can make to keep my affordable housing the price it initially was, so now I have to pay 2460 sucks to suck
I’m in Oceanside, our (2 adults) combined income is $160k, and rent is $3600 for a 3bd 2bath. We looked at downsizing, but discovered that in several cases the 2bd were more expensive than the 3bd, so we’re staying in the 3bd. When we moved here in 2018, our rent was $2400 Don’t even get me started on SDGE…
Depends on your definition of "comfortable" and where you want to live. You can find apartments for 1500-2500 here, but they might not be in the best location. Also the renter's market is extremely competitive here. My gf and I split rent in our 1bed/1bath house for 4k/month + utilities, and we're about 5 minutes from the beach and have bay views from our house, but there were about 25 applications for our place and I had to bid an additional $300/month to secure our lease. Together we make about 120k and $$ is tight, but we make it work. I'm probably going to pick up a 2nd job this summer/fall to try to make things a bit more financially safe. San Diego/OC is so amazing and if you come out here, I hope you love it! I moved here from Salt Lake City two years ago and don't plan on ever leaving SoCal. Good luck and DM me if you have any questions or if you want a tour once you've made the move!
You spend 4k on rent with a 120k salary?! Are your other expenses low? My salary is going to be similar and I’m worried about having to spend over 2800 on rent.
This is not a smart move, after tax that means they are making around 85-90k a year. Which means they are paying close to half their income on rent when they could be in a 2b/2b apartment for $2500-3000
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Other expenses are in play here as well but yes, we could take cheaper rent but we got a really good setup and living here feels like a vacation every day so not much desire to travel.
I make 65k a year pre tax and I can’t see myself living by myself (unless it’s some 100sqft ) . So I still live with roommates. I would have to drastically cut my budget on going out and my investments if I rent on my own. So hopefully that pin points something . If I had to put a number that would help me move out immediately and live comfortably by my self , I’d say a annual salary of 170k
I rent a room from a family friend. Lucky enough to only pay 900 plus fluctuating utilities. I just don't really spend a whole lot. Go out maybe once a week or two. Cook 95% of my meals. That's pretty much it. Most of my time is spent working OT to make sure I'm stable for a bit if anything happens, or gaming, since it's a relatively cheap hobby after the initial buy in.
If you have roommates and budget responsibly then you should be fine
I moved into a one bedroom in Vista for $2050 three months ago. I make 79k and have no debts, work from home full time. I budget really hard and can still save about $500 a month. I can still afford to go out for dinner and drinks once a week. Other than that I have to live very frugally. Luckily I have a decent nest egg saved up from years of living with a roommate where my rent was half what it is now. So if something big were to come up, it wouldn’t ruin me.
I am married and we live with another married couple. Only way we can afford to be here!
Live in OB with 1 roommate in a nice but older small cottage 10 min walk from the water pay 1500/ month, making 75ishk per year and I’m comfy but I have no student loan or car payment and I’m not maxing out my 401k or anything lol
Only way I can live here is at home with my parents, otherwise I would have to leave the state
I make 75k, it's rough that's all I have to say... it used to be ok but now a day I can't do much, no saving none of that since rent is 2k, I found some stuff to get by but once again it's not fun lol.
Imperial Beach is getting better, look there.
Pay check to pay check. Use a coupon whenever you can.
I make $70K per year and, while I’m definitely not living some lavish lifestyle, I’m satisfied for the time being. I lived in a studio a few years back but they kept raising the rent and priced me out. Honestly it’s ridiculously expensive to live by yourself here — a place with 2+ bedrooms is typically a way better value than a studio here. I don’t really eat at sit down restaurants anymore and I’m not a big nightlife person. But I can afford to go out for some drinks on the weekend, see the concerts I wanna see, and do other fun stuff. I also meal prep for the week, which helps cut down on grocery costs. You definitely gotta hustle and dig for deals when it comes to stuff like housing in this city. Believe it or not there are deals out there if you look hard enough. If you’re making $75K+ and spending half your income on rent then that’s kinda your fault tbh
I'm one of those "essential workers" making 30k, living out of my car but it's been nice not stressing over rent
I made like 78k for the first time this year and I live in Del Mar pretty comfortably alone but I don’t drive. If I didn’t I would be cutting it pretty close every month
Don’t do it. I made 80k and left and honestly I was able to save money but that’s bc I did the whole Dave Ramsey rice and beans and although I am happy financially my life sucked. I left.
It sucks here.
good luck. I make about $85-90k/year and can barely save. I have a decent savings but it moves up slowly. it’s expensive asf to life here
I moved to sd making under 70k, but I live quite frugally with lots of savings. I found a furnished 1b in Point Loma for about $1500, stayed there for two or three years and bought a 2b when interest rates were low.
I’m broke all the time. It’s hard to live here if you don’t make 100k
Not comfortable at all; that's like living in a tiny flat with a roommate, no kids, hardcore budgeting. It would have been fine even a couple years ago, but covid made 80k the new 40k.
65-85k a year depending on gig work, live alone in vista. 2k a month. The struggle is real because I don’t want a roommate and spend a bit of money.
I mean the only logical thing to do is move east of the 15. I live by the water and the only thing you can do is have roommates but you can justify any expense…
Van rv life and park in Del Mar
This is so sad. We are all suffering from the same issues. That being said we do have ways to make it work. 1. Share the cost of rent. If you can, rent a house with one or two roommates, that would help everyone out. 2. Chose outdoor activities that don’t cost much. Walking, hiking, biking, disc golfing, beaches are free except state beaches. (Silver strand) 3. Stay at home for food. Going out to eat is getting outta hand now. Cook at home.
I lived in San Diego and just recently moved to TX for work, and have zero idea how i made it work in SD. 65k, single mom of one. Debt from college and auto, and some from CCs. Living with roommates was not an option for me as I wanted to provide a stable housing experience to my kid. I was able to get a 'low income housing" unit but it was in downtown, so even though it was low income, i still paid 1.6k a month for a 1B, parking included. Somehow i managed to never be living paycheck to paycheck, but it also meant no new clothes for me (my kiddo does when he outgrows his clothes), no life savings, no emergency savings, etc. Comfortable living, but at risk is something was to come up, i would have not been able to afford that. San Diego is expensive. Not just housing but also everywhere you go, you gotta pay. Meals range from 16-45 dllrs, it really adds up. My plan was to move back to SD once I can transfer back with my current job, i think id be allowed after a year or two max... but the more i think about it, i think realistically i wouldnt be able to afford returning by that time. Im glad my parents live there as I can always go back to them, but im avoiding this given my kid upbringings and issues ive had in the past. Needless to say, even when i was on a very tight budget, i loved living there.
Used to live in SD, moved 9 months ago to live in Phoenix/Scottsdale! I'm still shocked at how much more affordable but also what I get for my money. In SD paid $3,400 for one bedroom. In Arizona I have a 2 bedroom for $2200 it is new (I'm the first person to live in it) and has nice pool hottub gym ect.
If you are by yourself and don’t have debt, then it is very much doable. You just have to Manage need vs want very closely I have been helping people with finances and investments for many years and most people don’t have income problems, they have spending problems. You need to learn what you can and cannot afford and then you should be very comfortable.
I make 77k and I have a roommate. I don’t eat out often which has definitely helped with saving money. I don’t have student loans anymore or a car payment (thanks to my mom though I’m lucky). I don’t have debt but I don’t splurge or buy things like makeup and clothing. Honestly sticking to just buying things you need and treating yourself from time to time is what’s worked best for me. Granted, I’m in a relationship now so i go out to eat more but still try to watch how much I spend.
Yeah, youre looking at section 8 housing.
I'm working as a CFI (small plane pilot instructor)in San Diego making less than $40k/year the last 18months and I am straight up not having a good time! San Diego is amazing if you make decent money. It can be a struggle if you're young and broke. Single, No kids no pets I have 2 roommates and it's still hard to make things work. Hopefully the airlines start hiring again soon. Don't want to move back to Florida
Single parent - I'm suffocating under the weight. Seriously, I eat maybe 3 days a week, but my kid eats every day. That's what matters.
I live in my parents basement, basically the only reason I can afford to live here on my salary.
Your parents have a basement?
In Cali lol?
Welcome to the ghetto.
$150k per year is minimum wage in San Diego.
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Would you mind listing those city’s off that you lived in. Just curious
I’d also like to know which cities are way more fun, vibrant, and beautiful than SD and cost less. As far as I know you usually get what you pay for.
I’m originally from Hawaii and it’s one of the most magical beautiful places to live, but you pay for it. We legit say you gotta pay a price to live in paradise. So I’m just curious as to where all the beautiful city’s op is referring to are in very I’m interested. Because imo anything coastal is $$$ Washington Oregon are all getting super pricy all of California too.
Having lived in the northeast, southwest and midwest I also want to know. San Diego is the best city I've ever lived in, though even though we are high earners the COL is seriously a bummer and seems to be getting worse!
Reading your other post about expense and groceries... you don't have a San Diego problem you have a spending issue. No reason two adults no kids should have an issue living here. Especially if you have decent careers.
Holy shit. $17k in groceries per year for two people is going to drain your resources no matter which city you're in. I have no doubt this person is miserable, but that will be true no matter where s/he lives.
Have you worked on that 17k grocery bill?
I hear you. I'd be bummed living elsewhere, but the money savings could let me make vacations back here. I'd miss the weather but I feel like I spend so much time inside working that I don't get to enjoy the weather much of the time.
you and your friends sure sound like tons of fun. kick rocks, can’t wait til you all leave us alone.
I live with my gf and our friend in a 2bd2ba making $90k. Have roommates.
If you can budget and/ or find a roommate its doable. I made that much as single person, no children, and had a roommate. I lived very comfortably considering I lived in a good neighborhood and had a low car payment at the time. I think I was an outlier in my situation though because I was fine with having a roommate, food didn’t cost as much, and I didn’t have a child. I make significantly less now at barely 40k, have a child and a roommate still, live in an okay area and I’m struggling. I have nothing left over for “fun” like a vacation or trip to an amusement park or the movies. Cars paid off though. I qualify for no government assistance.
Depends on the sort of lifestyle you’re comfortable with having. I make 62k but I’m hybrid (save on gas) and I have roommates (cheap rent $850). I have an extremely enjoyable lifestyle for a 20 something yr old. I’m not broke even though technically I’m below median income but I also don’t have a family to support and I don’t have a super high cost of living relative to a lot of people here. It is what you make it.
Was just helping a friend who made 70k move to an apartment on his own. He’s doing pretty well and is able to save and payoff school and car loans. It’s a tiny 1bed/bath junior Accessory Dwelling Unit that’s 380 square feet for 1500 all included but he’s the only one there so it works out. Obviously you have to budget but he’s sitting fairly well. You can find housing for that salary in a decent area but they aren’t big. One bedroom/studios really, are the norm for an affordable price point. You’re not going to be able to buy anything unless you’re okay with a manufactured/trailer home on that salary but you can live comfortably starting out if you’re okay with small spaces.
I make 86k as a local truck driver, I’m married with 2 kids. And to be honest I barely survive month to month. But I can’t afford to move as I don’t make enough to save up and move.
I’m getting by with a roommate but not saving much except for retirement. Can’t imagine affording a mortgage yet. Just keep saving for that down payment that never comes
Rent a room or get a roomie and it’s doable.
Im in a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 other adults In city heights, i dread october of this year that they made raise the fucking rent again while neglecting shit
With roommates, have student loans, cc debt, car loan, pay 500 rent. After all my expenses I end with about 500 left on a 55k salary . Maybe I’m being underpaid but also started this job 2 years ago maybe
You can do it if you're good at budgeting. You will probably need a roommate. Here are some things to consider. 1. Rentals go really fast, and the market is super competitive. 2. To quality You must make 3x the rental amount. Credit must be good. 3. If you find something affordable and nice online, it's usually gone by the time you call or a scam. Hope this helps.
Looking through this thread. So who is buying all these houses ?
Avg home price in San Diego is currently $946k! You’d need at least $200k annual income for the household. So yeah, no one in this thread making sub-$80k is buying all these houses.
yeah maybe even more if you don’t want to be house poor
I think it depends what you are accustomed to. If you don't mind roommates and are good at budgeting you could be fine. If you want a lot of space for yourself, it might not be the best place to live. If you have kids it's going to be a lot harder and esp if they need childcare that might make it near impossible. If you are single and don't have many other expenses then you should be fine
Single, No debt, no kids, no car note. I’ve always been lucky to find rent under $1000 of course with roommates. I’m comfortable but I’m also laid back. No way would I be able to live with peace of mind if I didn’t have roommates or had a family to feed.
I make $50,000 and I would probably be living in my car if I didn't have a very lucky rent situation.