North County San Diego is the most desirable area in all of San Diego County. This is no surprise as it has the prettiest coastal towns in the region. Below are the 10 most expensive places to live in North San Diego County.
#1 Del Mar CA

The average selling price in Del Mar, California in December 2022 is $3,900,000.
This coastal community is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious homes and sophisticated lifestyle. Del Mar is one of San Diego County's most exclusive and thriving communities.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Del Mar CA:
#2 Santa-Fe-Ranch

The average selling price of a home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA in December 2022 is $3,814,000.
Located in the foothills of North San Diego County, this exclusive community is known for its large estates and equestrian facilities. Rancho Santa Fe is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe, CA:
#3 Solana-Strand

Average Home Selling Price in Solana Beach, CA $1,810,000 as of December 2022.
Located between Del Mar and Encinitas, this coastal community is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious homes, and trendy restaurants and shops. Solana Beach is another of the most expensive neighborhoods in North San Diego County.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Solana Beach, CA:
#4 Cardiff am Meer

The median selling price of a home in Cardiff by the Sea in December 2022 is $1,597,500.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a beach community in Encinitas, California in San Diego County. It's known for its scenic beach, surf spots, and Cardiff State Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The community also has a variety of shops and restaurants as well as the famous Cardiff Kook statue. In addition, it is close to the Laguna San Elijo Ecological Reserve, which is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching.
Currently, this is the total ofHouses for sale in Cardiff by the sea:
#5 Vale do Carmelo

The median selling price for a home in Carmel Valley in December 2022 is $1,645,000.
Carmel Valley is a community in San Diego County, California. It is known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, upscale shopping and dining, and outdoor recreation. The area is known for its rolling hills, natural beauty and panoramic views. The community is home to a variety of parks and open spaces, including the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, which offers hiking and biking trails. Carmel Valley also has several golf courses and a variety of athletic facilities including the Del Mar Polo Club and the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Additionally, many of the area's residents are professionals, and some of the area's largest employers are technology companies such as Qualcomm and Broadcom.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Carmel Valley, CA:
#6 Encinitas CA

The average selling price for homes in Encinitas CA is $1,556,000 as of December 2022.
This coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious homes and vibrant downtown. Encinitas has a diverse real estate market including Old Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea and Olive Grove.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Encinitas, CA:
#7 Carlsbad, California

The average selling price of a home in the Carlsbad CA 92008 zip code is $1,337,500 in December 2022.
Located in the northern part of San Diego County, this coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious homes and luxurious resorts. Carlsbad has a diverse real estate market, with some areas such as The Aviara, La Costa and Calavera Hills boasting average home prices in excess of $1.5 million.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Carlsbad, CA:
#8 Bernardo-Ranch

The median selling price of a home in CEP Rancho Bernardo 92127 in December 2022 is $1,282,450.
Rancho Bernardo is a planned community in northern San Diego County, California. Located east of the town of Poway and north of Escondido, it is known for its suburban feel, quality homes and excellent schools.
The community was first established in the 1960s and has since expanded to several different neighborhoods, including Bernardo Heights, Westwood, and Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Rancho Bernardo is home to a diverse population with residents of all ages, backgrounds and income levels.
The area is known for its excellent schools, including Rancho Bernardo High School and several top-rated elementary and high schools. In addition, Rancho Bernardo offers a variety of recreational opportunities including several parks and hiking trails as well as Bernardo Winery, the oldest continuously operating winery in Southern California.
There is a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options in Rancho Bernardo including the Rancho Bernardo Towne Center with a variety of shops and restaurants. The community is also home to Pousada Rancho Bernardo, a luxury hotel and spa.
Rancho Bernardo is also home to many high-tech companies, including Sony Electronics and Hewlett-Packard. There is easy access to major interstates and freeways like I-15, making it a convenient location for commuters from other parts of San Diego County.
Overall, Rancho Bernardo is a well-established and highly desirable community in San Diego County known for its excellent schools, recreational opportunities and suburban atmosphere.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Rancho Bernardo, CA:
#9 Penasquitos-Ranch
The average selling price of a home in Rancho Penasquitos in December 2022 is $1,165,000.
Rancho Peñasquitos is a community in northern San Diego, California. It's known for its family atmosphere, world-class schools and proximity to outdoor recreation. The community nestles in the foothills of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, which offers hiking and biking trails, as well as Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve, which offers a variety of hiking trails and panoramic ocean views. Rancho Peñasquitos also has a variety of parks and athletic facilities, including Peñasquitos Skatepark, Black Mountain Ranch Community Park, and Penasquitos Park with a playground, baseball fields, and a swimming pool. Additionally, Rancho Peñasquitos is served by the Poway Unified School District, known for its quality educational offerings.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Rancho Penasquitos, CA:
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#10 Poway CA
The median selling price for a home in Poway, California in December 2022 is $1,095,000.
Poway is a city in San Diego County, California. It is known for its scenic natural surroundings, historical center and quality schools. Nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, the city is home to many parks and recreation areas, including the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and Poway Community Park. Historic downtown offers a variety of shops, restaurants and year-round events such as the Poway Farmers Market and the Poway Rodeo. Poway is also home to several well-known schools, including Poway High School, known for its strong academic and athletic programs. In addition, it is close to several technology companies such as Sony and LG Electronics.
Currently, this is the total ofHomes for sale in Poway, CA:
Those: San Diego County North HomeDex Real Estate Agents
- Homes for sale in Del Mar CA
- Homes for sale in Rancho Santa Fe CA
- Homes for sale in Solana Beach CA
- Homes for sale in Cardiff by the Sea CA
- Homes for sale in Carmel Valley CA
- Homes for sale in Encinitas CA
- Carlsbad CA homes for sale
- Homes for sale in Rancho Bernardo CA
- Homes for sale in Rancho Peñasquitos CA
- Poway CA homes for sale
FAQs
What are the most expensive places to live in San Diego? ›
- 1) Carmel Valley.
- 2) Del Mar Heights.
- 3) La Jolla.
- 5) Point Loma.
- 6) Rancho Penasquitos.
- 7) Rancho Santa Fe.
San Diego is shooting up the ranks of the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2022 Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) survey.
Is Coronado or La Jolla more expensive? ›92118 in Coronado ranked 76th with a 2019 median sale price of $1.565 million. 92014 in Del Mar ranked 80th with a 2019 median sale price of $1.538 million. 92037 in La Jolla ranked 95th with a 2019 median sale price of $1.45 million.
Is Scripps Ranch a rich neighborhood? ›Best known for its eucalyptus trees, great schools, and community parks, Scripps Ranch is only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego for an easy commute, but it offers employment opportunities in the neighborhood too. There's something for everyone in this affluent San Diego neighborhood.
What is the most expensive house in San Diego County? ›The biggest purchase in San Diego County history remains the 2007 sale of an oceanfront home in Del Mar for $48.2 million. The same house was later sold to Bill and Melinda Gates for $43 million in 2020.
Where is the nicest place to live in San Diego? ›- La Jolla. This coastal paradise is arguably the most prized location in all of San Diego. ...
- Coronado. Each San Diego beach town offers a unique lifestyle, and Coronado is no different. ...
- Point Loma Peninsula. ...
- Del Mar. ...
- Pacific Beach. ...
- North Park. ...
- South Park. ...
- Mission Hills.
Here's what it takes to be considered wealthy in 2022 by city ans ranked by net worth thresholds: San Francisco: $5.1 million. Southern California (includes Los Angeles and San Diego): $3.9 million. New York City: $3.4 million.
What is the most affordable neighborhood in San Diego? ›The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego:
Balboa Park. East San Diego/El Cajon. Chula Vista/Imperial Beach. North I-15 Corridor West.
Rancho Santa Fe has been a favorite haunt of Bing Crosby and Howard Hughes. Let's not forget about Phil Mickelson, Bill Gates, and Jenny Craig. The Carlsbad area was once home to Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. You still might find celebrity resident, Tony Hawk shredding through the scenery.
Is Chula Vista cheaper than San Diego? ›The cost of living is 5.9 percent lower overall in Chula Vista than in San Diego. The most significant difference between living in both cities is the cost of housing, with Chula Vista being 13.9 percent cheaper than San Diego in average mortgage and rent spending.
Where is the best area to stay in San Diego without a car? ›
Gaslamp Quarter along with Downtown is the best area to stay in San Diego without a car due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of action, within walking distance to many tourist attractions, as well as some of the best nightlife, shopping, and dining in the city.
Are there millionaires in San Diego? ›The region is home to more than 102,000 millionaire households, third-highest of any Golden State city. Surprisingly, San Diego County has more millionaires than Santa Clara County, the heart of Silicon Valley.
What is the richest street in California? ›- United States.
- California (CA)
- Beverly Hills.
- Beverly Hills - Things to Do.
- Rodeo Drive.
Loyola, Los Altos, California
Loyola, California, is the richest neighborhood in America. The average household income in Loyola is $326,069, with the median income a little lower at $246,563. The median listing price is $3,899,000. Loyola also borders Los Altos Hills, which is one of the richest towns in America.
Where is Bill Gates' house in Del Mar? Bill Gates' Del Mar house is at 2808 Ocean Front. Th house was built by architect and designer Ken Ronchetti back in 1999, and has a generouse 120 feet of ocean frontage.
What are the top 10 expensive houses? ›- Villa Leopolda, France. ...
- Witanhurst, London. ...
- Villa Les Cèdres, French Riviera. ...
- Fairfield Mansion, New York. ...
- Kensington Palace (9a), London. ...
- Ellison Estate, California. ...
- Palazzo Di Amore, California. ...
- Xanadu 2.0 Washington DC.
92014. #1 Best ZIP Codes to Live in San Diego Area.
What is the safest place to live in San Diego? ›- Gaslamp Quarter.
- Normal Heights.
- Rancho Bernardo.
- Rancho Penasquitos.
- Scripps Ranch.
As The San Diego Union-Tribune detailed in a Jan. 26 report, the median home price in San Diego fell nearly $100,000, from $850,000 to $756,000, in less than a year — from May 2022 to Dec. 2022. Overall home sales were down significantly as well, falling in volume by 46% by Dec. 2022 as compared to the year previous.
What percent of San Diego is white? ›Population | |
---|---|
Persons 65 years and over, percent | 13.3% |
Female persons, percent | 49.0% |
Race and Hispanic Origin | |
White alone, percent | 58.2% |
What is a comfortable salary in San Diego? ›
As you can see from our breakdown of the San Diego cost of living, a $100,000 salary should be enough to live comfortably in San Diego, provided you aren't spending excessive amounts of money on travel, gambling, or luxury goods.
What is a comfortable income to live in San Diego? ›San Diegans need to make over $166K salary to afford a house in San Diego County. According to Visual Capitalist, San Diego is the third most expensive city when it comes to purchasing a home.
What income is middle class in San Diego? ›According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income in 2021 was $70,784. So American families earning between $47,189 and $141,568 are technically in the middle class. The middle class range in San Diego, Chula Vista and Carlsbad is $61,000 to $182,000.
What are the top 5 sectors in San Diego? ›- Health care + social assistance | 13.6% or 208,979 employees. ...
- Professional, scientific + technical services | 12% or 183,757 employees. ...
- Retail trade | 10.3% or 158,582 employees. ...
- Manufacturing | 9.7% or 149,802 employees. ...
- Education | 8.6% or 131,690 employees. ...
- Construction | 6.8% or 105,112 employees.
Find an Apartment in a Less Expensive Neighborhood
Chula and Linda Vista are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego. Here you will find San Diego's most affordable neighborhoods for 2022. The cost of living in Hillcrest San Diego is 25% less than other neighborhoods in San Diego.
Number 2: San Diego
This SoCal city has consistently ranked as the first runner-up for good looks in T+L's survey, even if readers tend not to be so impressed with the locals' conversational skills. San Diegans do, however, score well for being tech-savvy.
With its vintage coastal charm, natural elegance, and deep connection to the history of San Diego, Del Mar still remains home to many professional athletes and celebrities including professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees, and the lead singer of the band Journey, Steve Perry, ...
Where do most famous actors live in California? ›Beverly Hills is the iconic address for movie stars to live in. Remember that these are private homes.
What is the cheapest city to live in Southern California? ›Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the cheapest cities in Southern California. A coastal city in the Southern part of Los Angeles County, Long Beach is the seventh-largest city in California, and it's a quiet beach town about 30 minutes from downtown LA.
The San Diego real estate market has been hot for some time, thanks to a low housing inventory and low-interest rates.
Is San Diego good for retirees? ›
Consider moving to San Diego! Not only is America's Finest City one of the best places to live on the West Coast and one of the best places for veterans to retire, but it also has great employment opportunities, a plethora of beautiful beaches, top-notch cuisine, affordable neighborhoods, and much more!
What is the best suburb in San Diego? ›- Carlsbad.
- Encinitas.
- Poway.
- Santee.
- Solana Beach.
- Population: 1,381,600.
- Lowest Income to be Considered “Rich” (Top 20%): $181,676.
- Average Income of the Top 20%: $311,123.
- Average Income of the Top 5%: $538,266.
- Miramar. ...
- Scripps Ranch. ...
- Alta Vista. ...
- Rancho Penasquitos. ...
- Rancho Bernardo. ...
- Carmel Valley. ...
- Sabre Springs. ...
- La Jolla. Regarded as a gorgeous, safe, and affluent beachfront community, La Jolla has a population of 29,356 and a crime rate of 27% lower than the California average.
Surprisingly, San Diego County has more millionaires than Santa Clara County, the heart of Silicon Valley. What's more, San Diego's residential incomes are twice the national average, especially in ritzy enclaves like La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe.
What are the biggest problems in San Diego? ›When asked to name the single biggest problem facing their part of San Diego, residents say traffic (29%), followed by crime (15%) and population growth and development (13%). Growth-related concerns again top the list when residents are asked to rank a number of local problems.
Who is the biggest employer in San Diego? ›Top Employers in San Diego
The largest employer is the United States Navy, with over 41,600 at the San Diego Naval Base. Next is the University of California San Diego, with over 38,700 employees.
- Gaslamp Quarter.
- Normal Heights.
- Rancho Bernardo.
- Rancho Penasquitos.
- Scripps Ranch.
Annual Salary | Weekly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $85,180 | $1,638 |
75th Percentile | $68,760 | $1,322 |
Average | $63,727 | $1,225 |
25th Percentile | $39,511 | $759 |
Los Altos Hills
With a median income of $251,000 at the beginning of 2022, the town just edges out Woodside and Hillsborough. Los Altos Hills has been the wealthiest in California since 2019 (prior, it was in fourth place).