Is Del Mar Expensive?

San Diego, United States

+38% vs San Diego avg

Living in Del Mar, San Diego

Del Mar is the most expensive area in San Diego, with a cost of living index of 106.9 — that is +38% compared to the San Diego average. Only the top 3 of 30 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $3,588/month, compared to a range of $1,768 in National City to $3,640 in Coronado.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Del Mar, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $143,520 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Del Mar

Salaries in Del Mar reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 106.9:

After tax and deductions of 32.8% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $143,520 would be roughly $96,445/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

106.9
COLI Index
1.38x
vs City Avg
$3,588
Est. 1BR Rent
#3
of 30 Areas
32.8%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Del Mar

Estimated annual deductions on a $80,175 salary in Del Mar, San Diego (local employee).

Income Tax
16%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (CA)
9.3%
Total Deductions: 32.8%
Est. Take-Home: $53,894/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Del Mar would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $80,175
London GBP £68,997
Dubai AED AED 401,179

Other Neighborhoods in San Diego

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Coronado 108.5 1.40x +40%
Rancho Santa Fe 108.5 1.40x +40%
La Jolla 104.6 1.35x +35%
Gaslamp Quarter 94.5 1.22x +22%
Downtown 93.0 1.20x +20%

View all 30 neighborhoods in San Diego →

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Compare Del Mar

Del Mar vs Rancho Santa Fe Del Mar vs Coronado

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Del Mar:

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Back Bay, Boston Canal Ring (Centrum), Amsterdam Bal Harbour, Miami Oud-Zuid, Amsterdam Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Del Mar expensive in San Diego?

Yes, Del Mar is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in San Diego. It costs about +38% more than the city average, ranking #3 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Del Mar compare to the San Diego average?

The cost of living in Del Mar is significantly above the San Diego average. With a multiplier of 1.38x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +38% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.