Cost of living in San Diego, California (United States) is 49% more expensive than in Munich (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 620 prices entered by 62 different people.
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Food | + 37% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in San Diego, California (United States) is 37% more expensive than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $24 (€22) | €20 | + 12% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $15 (€14) | €13 | + 3% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $7 (€6) | €5.68 | + 10% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $1.28 (€1.17) | €1.35 | - 13% | |
12 eggs, large | $6 (€5.87) | €4.13 | + 42% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $4.96 (€4.56) | €2.99 | + 53% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $9 (€8) | €6 | + 28% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $3.98 (€3.66) | €2.50 | + 46% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.01 (€1.85) | €2.00 | - 8% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $4.66 (€4.28) | €1.06 | + 305% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $23 (€21) | €7 | + 190% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | $3.68 (€3.38) | €1.76 | + 92% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $3.03 (€2.79) | €2.00 | + 40% | |
Housing | + 74% | |||
Housing in San Diego, California (United States) is 74% more expensive than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $4,976 (€4,575) | €2,268 | + 102% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $3,388 (€3,115) | €1,811 | + 72% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $274 (€252) | €282 | - 11% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $2,942 (€2,704) | €1,505 | + 80% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $2,241 (€2,060) | €994 | + 107% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $189 (€173) | €164 | + 6% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $53 (€48) | €32 | + 50% | |
40” flat screen tv | $370 (€340) | €395 | - 14% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $154 (€141) | €75 | + 88% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $17 (€15) | €8 | + 100% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | $31 (€29) | €19 | + 52% | |
Clothes | - 3% | |||
Clothes in San Diego, California (United States) is about the same as in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $57 (€52) | €83 | - 37% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $53 (€49) | €35 | + 40% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $107 (€98) | €98 | + 1% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $137 (€126) | €142 | - 12% | |
Transportation | + 11% | |||
Transportation in San Diego, California (United States) is 11% more expensive than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $36,505 (€33,561) | €27,102 | + 24% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $1.35 (€1.24) | €1.77 | - 30% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | $72 (€67) | €55 | + 21% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | $21 (€19) | €20 | - 6% | |
Personal Care | + 105% | |||
Personal Care in San Diego, California (United States) is 105% more expensive than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $15 (€14) | €7 | + 95% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $21 (€19) | €10 | + 101% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $130 (€120) | €69 | + 73% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $10 (€9) | €4.00 | + 132% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $5.44 (€5.00) | €2.31 | + 117% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $13 (€12) | €3.20 | + 267% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | $5.85 (€5.37) | €1.83 | + 194% | |
Tube of toothpaste | $3.01 (€2.76) | €1.35 | + 104% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $40 (€37) | €26 | + 40% | |
Entertainment | + 73% | |||
Entertainment in San Diego, California (United States) is 73% more expensive than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
San Diego, California | Munich | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $67 (€62) | €50 | + 24% | |
2 tickets to the movies | $38 (€35) | €24 | + 45% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $327 (€301) | €149 | + 102% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $101 (€93) | €63 | + 47% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $19 (€18) | €13 | + 41% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $7 (€6) | €4.92 | + 27% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $9 (€9) | €4.17 | + 107% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $477 (€438) | €431 | + 2% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.58 (€0.53) | €0.12 | + 343% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | $106 (€98) | €63 | + 54% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $13 (€12) | €9 | + 33% | |
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TOTAL | + 49% |

These prices were last updated on March 22, 2025.
Exchange rate:
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For example, you would need at least €10,571 ($11,499) in San Diego, California to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with €7,100 in Munich.
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