About San Diego - CA
San Diego is located in California - CA, and is one of the most popular destinations among students. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in San Diego - CA:
Undergraduate: 17%
Postgraduate: 32.7%
San Diego in CA has 21.4% international students, making it one of the cities in the US with a high percentage of international students. Three world-class universities are located in the city, including San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and the University of California, San Diego, contributing to its excellent reputation for higher education.
Popular Student Areas in San Diego - CA
Popular San Diego - CA areas amongst university students are College Area, Pacific Beach, and Hillcrest. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.
1. Students living in College Area will be near San Diego State University, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around US$600–US$800/month.
Travel time from College Area to San Diego Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Tram- 15 minutes
Bus - 25 minutes
Taxi - 10 minutes
Walking - 40 minutes
2. For students living in San Diego - CA Pacific Beach, purpose-built student flats would cost approximately US$800–US$1,200/month. In this area, nearby universities include the University of California, San Diego.
Travel time from Pacific Beach to San Diego Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Tram- 30 minutes
Bus - 45 minutes
Taxi - 15 minutes
Walking - 75 minutes
3. For students living in Hillcrest, purpose-built student rooms would cost around US$700–US$900/month In this area, nearby universities include the University of California, San Diego.
Travel time from Hillcrest to San Diego Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Tram- 10 minutes
Bus - 20 minutes
Taxi - 5 minutes
Walking - 30 minutes
Best Student Off-Campus Housings in San Diego - CA
San Diego - CA has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas of the city in proximity to their universities and budgets.
Popular student Off-Campus Housings in San Diego - CA, that provide almost every room type include Market Street Apartments.
Discover Student Room Types in San Diego - CA
The purpose-built student housing in San Diego, CA, typically includes a variety of amenities in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions.
Here, we have categorised the room types given below based on preferences and budget to help you in your decision-making.
Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in San Diego - CA:
These cost around US$550–US$1,200/month on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments.
Shared room
Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$500/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$600/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$650/month
Recommended San Diego - CA student housing for shared rooms are Comfortable Vibrant House w/ Workspaces + Outdoor Areas + Meeting Room and Little Italy - 5 Mins Drive From San Diego Airport | Individual Pods.
Triple/ Quadruple rooms
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$450/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$550/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$600/month
Entire place
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$1,200/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$1,800/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$1,500/month
Recommended San Diego - CA student housing for the entire place are Impeccable North Park 1BR w/ W/D, nr Restaurants & Bars, Dreamy East Village 1BR w/ Rooftop, nr Park & Little Italy, Hip University Heights 2BR w/ Courtyard, nr Restaurants, Sleek Little Italy 1BR w/ Gym, BBQ & Pool, nr light rail, and Sunny Carmel Valley 2BR w/ Gym, BBQ, & W/D, nr Dining.
Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in San Diego - CA with privacy: These rooms cost around US$600 – US$1,000/month
Single Room
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$700/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$850/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$800/month
Flatshare
Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$500/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$600/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$650/month
Twin Rooms
Amenities: One room with 2 single beds, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$600/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$700/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$750/month
Double Rooms
Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$550/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$650/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$700/month
Room Type 3: San Diego - CA Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near the Downtown cost around US$650– US$1,200/month.
Student Flats
Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$1,200/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$1,800/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$1,500/month
Browse through San Diego - CA student flats such as Market Street Apartments.
Student En-Suite Rooms
Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$800/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$950/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$900/month
Student Studios
Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen
College Area avg. Rent: US$800/month
Pacific Beach avg. Rent: US$1,000/month
Hillcrest avg. Rent: US$900/month
Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget
Student Penthouse in San Diego - CA, costs around US$2,500/month.
These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor which is more over budget.
Cost of Living in San Diego - CA for Students
It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your San Diego - CA student housing rent apart, some additional expenses around are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in San Diego - California, as a student:
Food Expenses: US$300/month on average.
We suggest buying groceries that cost around US$355/month and cooking your own meals.
Shop from grocery stores that offer student discounts on grocery items such as.
Trader Joe's: Store available in San Diego - CA, which frequently has sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.
Target store: The store is available in San Diego, CA, which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food, and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.
Aldi: Store available in San Diego - CA which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items.
Walmart: The store is available in San Diego, CA, and offers a student-focused Walmart Student program for free shipping on grocery orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.
Costco: Store available in San Diego - CA, which offers student membership-based discounts on bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.
San Diego - CA Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or at the lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility criteria visit Feeding America's website or by calling 211.
Transportation Expenses: US$120/month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in San Diego - CA, while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the university's distance from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.
Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer Docked Bike Sharing, and Dockless Bike Sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for Campus Bike Rental Programs offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.
Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally, you can visit PassFinder or the American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions.
Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.
Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts. Just ensure that their services are available in San Diego - CA.
Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programs for students.
Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, and Neuron offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans. Just ensure that their services are available in San Diego - CA.
Kitchen Essentials: They cost you between US$140 and US$440. However, it depends upon your student room regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Check the property page you are interested in, is recommended. Cost may vary according to the City.
Basic cookware set (pots, pans, skillet): $30-$100
Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50
Plates, bowls, mugs: $20-$40
Cutting board, knives: $20-$50
Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200
Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials
Thrift stores and consignment shops
Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.
Online marketplaces are helpful for buying secondhand items at affordable prices. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.
Check if your university has any College campus rental programs for Kitchen utensils.
Search for Appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out the Kitchen essentials.
Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, Divide the selected rental utensils bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.
Bedding, Bathroom, and Cleaning Essentials: would cost you approximately US$250 - US$1000 approximately.
Bedding Essentials would cost you approximately US$220 - US$85.
including
Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )
Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended )
Sheets: $20-$50
Pillows: $10-$50
Blanket: $10-$50
Bathroom Essentials would cost you approximately US$36 - US$160.
Including
Toothbrush: $2-$10
Toothpaste: $2-$10
Bar soap: $1-$5
Body wash: $3-$15
Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20
Razor: $5-$15
Shaving cream: $3-$10
Towel: $5-$20
Bathrobe: $10-$50
Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.
Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.
Dish soap: $1-$5
Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3
Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll
Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle
Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack
All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10
Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5
Mop and bucket: $10-$20
Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials
Shop during sales, promotions on special occasions
Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.
Reuse Bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.
