SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — While America's Finest City is routinely recognized as one of the best places to live in the country, it's often not for its value.
San Diego ranked 36 on the U.S. News and World Report's 125-city "Best Places to Live in the U.S." list. Out of that many cities, many would agree that's a great accomplishment.
Though while the city ranked highly on desirability, job market, and quality of life, something residents already know of cast a bit of a shadow: Value.
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San Diego posted a 3.7 out of 10 when it came to value, the report said.
Put bluntly in the city's profile, "Living in San Diego is not particularly affordable."
U.S. News pointed to San Diego's housing costs as more than double the national average in 2018, at $555,325. That average cost has continued to climb steadily since 2011, U.S. News says.
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The pinch is further illustrated by two other stats: Average annual salary and median monthly rent, with totaled $56,410 and $1,467, respectively, according to the publication.
On the flip side, San Diego ranked as the 14th best place to retire in the U.S. and also drew high marks for local entertainment and activities and commute times to travel around the county.
As the city's profile states, "San Diegans are willing to pay these elevated prices, though, often referring to the cost-of-living differences as the 'sunshine tax,' or the price of enjoying a year-round temperate climate."
If you're looking for the best place to live, U.S. News points to Austin, Texas; Denver, Colo.; and Colorado Springs, Colo., as the top three options.
