Retirement Cost in San Diego, CA: 2026 Budget Guide
A comfortable retirement in San Diego costs approximately $86,320/year — 66% above the national average of $52,000. Here's the full breakdown.
$86,320
Annual retirement cost
$7,193
Per month
$2,158,000
Nest egg needed (25× rule)
Direct Answer
Retiring in San Diego, CA costs about $86,320 per year, or $7,193 per month. That is 66% above the national retirement budget benchmark, with an estimated $2,158,000 nest egg using the 4% rule.
Annual budget
$86,320
Range: $56,108-$125,164
Monthly budget
$7,193
Housing, healthcare, food, transport, utilities, and lifestyle
Portfolio target
$2,158,000
25x annual spending, before personalized tax planning
Tax note
State tax check
Review CA retirement income rules
San Diego is an above-average-cost retirement destination. Factor in CA state taxes on retirement income when planning your budget.
Annual Retirement Budget in San Diego
Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey (65+ households), adjusted for San Diego's cost index (160). Range: $56,108–$125,164.
How Much Do You Need to Retire in San Diego?
Standard
$2,158,000
4% Rule (25×)
Most common retirement planning benchmark
Conservative
$2,589,600
3.3% Rule (30×)
Conservative approach for longer retirements
After SS
$65,320
Savings needed/year
After avg Social Security (~$21,000/yr)
How San Diego Compares
San Diego Annual Cost
$86,320
National Average
$52,000
Difference
+$34,320/yr
66% more expensive
Retirement Planning Tips for San Diego
✓Research California's tax treatment of retirement income — some sources like Social Security may be partially or fully exempt.
✓Housing in San Diego accounts for roughly $30,212/year of retirement costs — consider whether renting or owning makes more sense given your timeline.
✓Healthcare costs here run approximately $15,538/year. Compare Medicare Advantage plans by ZIP code — coverage and premiums vary significantly.
✓The estimated nest egg needed to retire in San Diego is $2,158,000 using the 4% withdrawal rule.
✓San Diego is more expensive than average — if flexibility allows, nearby metros may offer significant savings.
Retirement Decision Checklist
Compare housing at $2,518/month against your rent, mortgage, HOA, and property tax plan.
Budget healthcare at about $1,295/month before Medicare supplement, dental, and long-term care choices.
Stress test the plan with the conservative $2,589,600 portfolio target if you want a lower withdrawal rate.
Use $65,320/year as the rough portfolio-funded gap after average Social Security assumptions.
More for San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to retire in San Diego?
A comfortable retirement in San Diego costs approximately $86,320 per year ($7,193/month). This includes $30,212 for housing, $15,538 for healthcare, and $12,948 for transportation. Actual costs range from $56,108 to $125,164 depending on lifestyle.
How much money do I need to retire in San Diego?
Using the 4% withdrawal rule, you need approximately $2,158,000 in savings to retire in San Diego. For a more conservative 3.3% withdrawal rate (30× rule), the target is $2,589,600. If you expect average Social Security benefits (~$21,000/year), your portfolio needs to cover the remaining $65,320/year.
Is San Diego a good place to retire?
San Diego has above-average retirement costs at $86,320/year — 66% more than the national average. Higher costs may be justified by amenities, climate, or family proximity.
What is the biggest retirement expense in San Diego?
Housing is the largest retirement expense in San Diego, accounting for approximately 35% of the budget at $30,212/year ($2,518/month). Healthcare is the second-largest at $15,538/year, followed by transportation at $12,948/year.