Refer to the Cost of Living Averages table. 100
represents the national average. For example, San Diego's overall
cost of living is 138, which is approximately 38% above the national
average. Source - ACCRA Cost of Living Index; Economic Research
Bureau, SD Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Key points to note - Housing is
twice the national average and utilities are lower than the national average.
San Diego Cost of Living Averages
| Area |
Average |
| Overall Cost of Living |
138 |
| Housing |
203 |
| Food/Groceries |
122 |
| Transportation |
124 |
| Utilities (gas/electric) |
88 |
| Health Care (hospital room/office visits) |
126 |
| Miscellaneous (includes clothing) |
109 |
2005 San Diego Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
| Pay Grade |
With Dependents |
Without Dependents |
Pay Grade |
With Dependents |
Without Dependents |
| E-1 |
$1452 |
$1105 |
O-1 |
$1588 |
$1370 |
| E-2 |
$1452 |
$1105 |
O-2 |
$1990 |
$1507 |
| E-3 |
$1452 |
$1105 |
O-3 |
$2006 |
$1834 |
| E-4 |
$1452 |
$1105 |
O-4 |
$2135 |
$2003 |
| E-5 |
$1535 |
$1283 |
O-5 |
$2278 |
$2004 |
| E-6 |
$2001 |
$1381 |
O-6 |
$2297 |
$2006 |
| E-7 |
$2003 |
$1458 |
O-7+ |
$2324 |
$2046 |
| E-8 |
$2005 |
$1626 |
W-1 |
$2001 |
$1421 |
| E-9 |
$2041 |
$1771 |
W-2 |
$2004 |
$1625 |
| O-1E |
$2003 |
$1535 |
W-3 |
$2006 |
$1785 |
| O-2E |
$2006 |
$1739 |
W-4 |
$2055 |
$2001 |
| O-3E |
$2064 |
$2001 |
W-5 |
$2111 |
$2003 |