San Diego, Chula Vista Among Highest Incomes Needed to Live Comfortably

New study finds single adults need $136,781, families $312,915 to follow 50/30/20 budgeting rule

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A minimalist abstract illustration using geometric shapes and muted colors to conceptually represent the high cost of living in coastal California cities.The staggering income required to live comfortably in San Diego and Chula Vista reflects the growing affordability crisis in many California coastal communities.San Diego Today

A new study by financial research firm SmartAsset found that San Diego and Chula Vista are among the cities with the highest incomes needed for a single adult to live comfortably, at $136,781 per year. For a family of four, the required annual income jumps to $312,915 to follow the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which allocates 50% of post-tax income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings.

Why it matters

The high cost of living in San Diego and Chula Vista, driven by factors like housing, food, and utilities prices, makes it increasingly difficult for residents to achieve financial security and save for the future. This underscores the economic challenges facing many in the region and the need for policy solutions to improve affordability.

The details

According to the SmartAsset study, San Diego and Chula Vista are tied for the 7th highest incomes needed to live comfortably, behind only New York City, San Jose, Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Boston. In contrast, San Antonio had the lowest required income at $83,242 for a single adult. The 50/30/20 budgeting rule defines 'living comfortably' as being able to spend 50% of post-tax income on necessities, 30% on discretionary spending, and 20% on savings.

  • The SmartAsset study was published on March 30, 2026.

The players

SmartAsset

A financial research firm that conducted the study on incomes needed to live comfortably in different U.S. cities.

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The takeaway

The high incomes required to live comfortably in San Diego and Chula Vista, compared to other major U.S. cities, highlights the significant economic challenges facing many residents in the region. This underscores the need for policymakers to address issues of housing affordability, cost of living, and income inequality to help more people achieve financial security.