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Retirement
San Diego is one of the most pleasant places in America to retire and one of the most expensive — the climate and healthcare are top-tier, and the housing math is the thing that decides it.
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Retiring in San Diego costs more than most of the country: median home prices sit near $950K and a comfortable retirement budget for a couple runs roughly $6,000–$7,500 a month. In exchange you get 70-degree averages, no state tax on Social Security, excellent hospitals including UCSD and Scripps, and 55+ communities in Oceanside, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and Santee at far lower price points.
Median home price
About $950K countywide; $500K–$700K in many 55+ communities
Comfortable monthly budget (couple)
$6,000–$7,500 including housing
Social Security
Not taxed by California
Pensions & 401(k)
Taxed as regular income at California rates
Property tax
About 1.1–1.25% with Prop 13 caps; Prop 19 lets 55+ transfer a base year value
Healthcare
UCSD Health, Scripps, Sharp — all nationally ranked, heavy Medicare Advantage market
| Area | Why | Typical home price |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanside | Beach town prices, big 55+ inventory, Camp Pendleton services | $700K–$900K |
| Rancho Bernardo | Master-planned, golf, Seven Oaks and Oaks North 55+ | $650K–$950K |
| Escondido | Inland value, wineries, Safari Park, several 55+ parks | $650K–$850K |
| La Mesa | Walkable village, Trolley, close to hospitals | $800K–$1M |
| Coronado | Flat, walkable, safe, gorgeous — and expensive | $2M+ |
| Point Loma | Water views, quiet, close to VA and downtown | $1.3M+ |
| Santee / Lakeside | Lowest county entry prices, hot summers | $600K–$800K |
| Carlsbad | Coastal, walkable village, strong healthcare access | $1.2M+ |
San Diego has one of the strongest Medicare Advantage markets in the country, with UCSD Health, Scripps and Sharp all offering large plan networks. The county's VA system centers on the La Jolla medical center with clinics countywide — a major draw for the region's very large veteran population.
Yes, if the housing math works. The climate, healthcare and walkable coastal towns are excellent, but median home prices near $950K and high utility costs make it one of the pricier retirement markets in the country.
A comfortable retirement for a couple runs roughly $6,000–$7,500 a month including housing, or considerably less if you own a home outright or settle in a 55+ community inland.
California does not tax Social Security benefits, but pensions, IRA and 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
Oaks North and Seven Oaks in Rancho Bernardo, Ocean Hills Country Club in Oceanside, Lake San Marcos, Champagne Village in Escondido and Rancho Carlsbad are the most established.
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Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .