Is Gaslamp Quarter Expensive?

San Diego, United States

+22% vs San Diego avg

Living in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter is one of the pricier neighborhoods in San Diego, with a cost of living index of 94.5 — that is +22% compared to the San Diego average. It ranks #5 out of 30 areas by cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $3,172/month, compared to a range of $1,768 in National City to $3,640 in Coronado.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Gaslamp Quarter, 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 $126,880 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Gaslamp Quarter

Salaries in Gaslamp Quarter reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 94.5:

After tax and deductions of 32.0% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $126,880 would be roughly $86,278/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

94.5
COLI Index
1.22x
vs City Avg
$3,172
Est. 1BR Rent
#5
of 30 Areas
32.0%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Gaslamp Quarter

Estimated annual deductions on a $70,875 salary in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego (local employee).

Income Tax
15%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (CA)
9.3%
Total Deductions: 32.0%
Est. Take-Home: $48,216/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Gaslamp Quarter would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $70,875
London GBP £60,994
Dubai AED AED 354,643

Other Neighborhoods in San Diego

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Coronado 108.5 1.40x +40%
Rancho Santa Fe 108.5 1.40x +40%
Del Mar 106.9 1.38x +38%
La Jolla 104.6 1.35x +35%
Downtown 93.0 1.20x +20%

View all 30 neighborhoods in San Diego →

Convert Your Salary

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Gaslamp Quarter:

Design District, Miami Surfside, Miami Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge), Dublin Ebisu, Tokyo Vesterbro, Copenhagen Cambridge (Harvard Sq), Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gaslamp Quarter expensive in San Diego?

Yes, Gaslamp Quarter is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in San Diego. It costs about +22% more than the city average, ranking #5 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Gaslamp Quarter compare to the San Diego average?

The cost of living in Gaslamp Quarter is significantly above the San Diego average. With a multiplier of 1.22x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +22% 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.