Salary Needed to Live in San Diego as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $32,471/year to live comfortably in San Diego, CA — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$32,471
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$30,247
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,840
52% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in San Diego
| Expense | San Diego | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $237 | $121 | +96% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $23 | $16 | +44% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $18 | $15 | +20% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $21 | $18 | +17% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $242 | $215 | +13% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $67 | $54 | +24% |
| Medicare Supplement | $320 | $200 | +60% |
| Prescription Drugs | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Internet + Phone | $192 | $120 | +60% |
| Recreation & Social | $320 | $200 | +60% |
| Home Maintenance | $160 | $100 | +60% |
| Total Monthly | $1,840 | $1,209 | +52% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,840
Target savings (5%):$104/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,944
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$32,471
Other Household Types in San Diego
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in San Diego?
A retiree needs approximately $32,471/year ($2,706/month gross) to live comfortably in San Diego with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in San Diego?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in San Diego costs approximately $237/month, which is the largest single expense at 13% of the total budget.
Is San Diego affordable for a retiree?
San Diego is above the national average for retiree living costs, requiring 52% more salary than the US median.