San Diego Workers Cross to Tijuana for Affordable Housing

As rents surge in San Diego, some workers sleep in Tijuana and commute daily to keep a roof overhead.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones, depicting a blurred scene of a worker commuting across the U.S.-Mexico border, with soft pools of light and color conceptually representing the challenges and trade-offs of this cross-border lifestyle.As San Diego's housing crisis pushes workers to seek affordable options across the border, the daily commute from Tijuana has become a bittersweet reality for many.San Diego Today

A growing number of San Diego workers are renting affordable housing in Tijuana, Mexico, and commuting daily across the border to their jobs in the U.S. city. The long commutes and international border crossings are a last resort for these workers, who are struggling to afford San Diego's high rents, which have reached a median of $3,100 per month.

Why it matters

This trend highlights the severe housing affordability crisis in the San Diego region, which is pushing lower-wage workers to seek housing options across the border in Tijuana. It also raises concerns about the safety and well-being of these cross-border commuters, who face long travel times, border crossing hassles, and potential security risks.

The details

Commuters described waking up as early as 2 a.m. to make the trek from Tijuana to their jobs in San Diego, which involves an Uber or ride to the border, walking through the checkpoint, and then taking a bus or trolley deeper into the city. While the lower rents in Tijuana, often around $400-$550 per month, can save them hundreds compared to San Diego's high housing costs, the daily commute is exhausting and time-consuming. Some workers also expressed concerns about the crime and safety risks in parts of Tijuana.

  • Median asking rents in the San Diego metro area have hovered around $3,100 per month in recent years.
  • Tijuana recorded 1,807 homicides in 2024, raising safety concerns for some cross-border commuters.

The players

Zachary Gabriel

A San Diego worker who often starts his day at 2 a.m. to make it to work by 6 a.m. after commuting from Tijuana.

Amy McAfee

A commuter who used to pay $1,200 for a single room in San Diego but now rents a one-bedroom in Tijuana for around $400.

Vered Familiar

A worker who previously paid $2,100 for a one-bedroom in San Diego but now shares a five-bedroom place in Tijuana for around $550.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Local leaders and housing advocates argue that real relief will require more affordable housing units and targeted support for low- and middle-income workers in the San Diego region, rather than relying on the cross-border commute as a stopgap solution.

The takeaway

The growing trend of San Diego workers renting in Tijuana and commuting daily across the border highlights the severe housing affordability crisis in the region, which is pushing lower-wage workers to seek more affordable options outside the U.S. This workaround comes with significant trade-offs in terms of time, safety, and quality of life, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to address the region's housing shortage and high costs.