Cost of Living in Encinitas, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,047 (excluding rent), and $3,168 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,617 (excluding rent), and $6,711 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.35 $17.35
$14.87 $14.87
$59.5 $59.5
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$84.6 $84.6
$59.7 $59.7
$119 $119
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.8 $11.8
$11.8 $11.8
$14.75 $14.75
Cappuccino
$5.02 $5.02
$4.02 $4.02
$10.04 $10.04
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97 $1.97
$1.97 $1.97
$2.96 $2.96
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03 $1.03
$1.03 $1.03
$3.09 $3.09
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.83 $6.83
$3.9 $3.9
$9.76 $9.76
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.85 $6.85
$5.87 $5.87
$9.78 $9.78
πŸ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.11 $1.11
$0.95 $0.95
$1.35 $1.35
White Bread (500g)
$3.95 $3.95
$2.71 $2.71
$5.53 $5.53
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.22 $4.22
$1.78 $1.78
$6.75 $6.75
Eggs
$7.09 $7.09
$3.21 $3.21
$13.08 $13.08
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.53 $10.53
$6.54 $6.54
$17.42 $17.42
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.57 $8.57
$5.61 $5.61
$17.34 $17.34
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.72 $14.72
$11.14 $11.14
$27.94 $27.94
Apples (1kg)
$3.43 $3.43
$2.74 $2.74
$6.55 $6.55
Banana (1kg)
$1.87 $1.87
$1.4 $1.4
$4.31 $4.31
Oranges (1kg)
$4.03 $4.03
$1.74 $1.74
$7.65 $7.65
Tomato (1kg)
$5.74 $5.74
$1.7 $1.7
$11.33 $11.33
Potato (1kg)
$4.43 $4.43
$1.08 $1.08
$6.47 $6.47
Onion (1kg)
$3.18 $3.18
$1.72 $1.72
$4.36 $4.36
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.4 $1.4
$0.99 $0.99
$1.96 $1.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.14 $2.14
$1.98 $1.98
$2.58 $2.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.15 $11.15
$10.14 $10.14
$12.17 $12.17
Wine (Bottle)
$8.83 $8.83
$5.87 $5.87
$24.52 $24.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.56 $2.56
$1.72 $1.72
$4.26 $4.26
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.53 $5.53
$1.47 $1.47
$7.81 $7.81
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.54 $2.54
$1.27 $1.27
$2.54 $2.54
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$72.9 $72.9
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$9.95 $9.95
$9.95 $9.95
$9.95 $9.95
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.66 $1.66
$1.66 $1.66
$3.68 $3.68
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.63 $29.63
$26.8 $26.8
$35.53 $35.53
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.26 $1.26
$1.16 $1.16
$1.33 $1.33
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.8K $23.8K
$23.8K $23.8K
$23.8K $23.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.1K $24.1K
$23.9K $23.9K
$25.5K $25.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$98.4 $98.4
$98.4 $98.4
$492 $492
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$46.46 $46.46
$19.98 $19.98
$143 $143
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$60.6 $60.6
$50.1 $50.1
$72.2 $72.2
πŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$30.56 $30.56
$17.82 $17.82
$50.9 $50.9
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.09 $20.09
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.08 $14.08
$12.06 $12.06
$21.11 $21.11
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,218 $1,218
$1,180 $1,180
$1,263 $1,263
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$25.9K $25.9K
$18.6K $18.6K
$30.1K $30.1K
πŸ‘•πŸ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.8 $55.8
$39.88 $39.88
$69.8 $69.8
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.35 $35.35
$30.59 $30.59
$39.76 $39.76
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$78.6 $78.6
$63.9 $63.9
$98.3 $98.3
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$85.4 $85.4
$50.2 $50.2
$100 $100
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,222 $3,222
$2,478 $2,478
$3,965 $3,965
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,962 $1,962
$981 $981
$1,962 $1,962
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$4,525 $4,525
$3,148 $3,148
$5,903 $5,903
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$4,088 $4,088
$1,727 $1,727
$4,088 $4,088
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$10.2K $10.2K
$1,960 $1,960
$10.2K $10.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,889 $6,889
$1,937 $1,937
$6,889 $6,889
πŸ’΅ Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$7,179 $7,179
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.58
6.19
7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Encinitas, CA - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encinitas a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads overall?
Encinitas blends a coastal lifestyle with relatively moderate prices for the region, especially when you compare it to pricier beachfront hubs near San Diego. You will find a mix of apartment layouts and homes, with value concentrated in blocks a short ride from the coast and better bargains a bit inland. The Cost of Living in Encinitas, CA, United States tends to feel balanced when you value walkable streets, outdoor access, and a calmer pace over nonstop nightlife. Proximity to beaches adds value, while longer stays can reveal smarter housing options and neighborhood differences. Tip: consider a longer trial stay, compare several areas, and ask locals about seasonal shifts.
What should you know about daily life, housing, food, transport, and coworking when you arrive?
Daily life here blends beach-town charm with practical modern amenities. Housing search runs from sunlit coastal flats to larger inland homes, with better value away from peak boardwalk crowds. Food options range from farmers markets to laid-back cafΓ©s and diverse eateries, all within easy walking or biking distance. Transport leans bike-friendly, with reliable rail links and local bus routes for longer trips. Co-working spaces and quiet cafΓ©s fit well for remote work. That part of the Encinitas, CA, United States living cost you factor into your budget when planning month-to-month stays. Tip: stay flexible with lease lengths and scout multiple neighborhoods before committing.
What strategies help you maximize quality of life, budget, and neighborhood fit over time?
Quality of life here comes from balance: sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a sense of small-town beach culture. To budget effectively, try a simple framework: separate needs, wants, and savings, and track recurring costs like utilities and transit on a monthly basis. Seek neighborhoods that match your pace – coastal spots for easy access to trails and wave breaks, inland blocks for calmer streets and lower rents, and family-friendly areas near schools if that matters. Consider off-season travel, use seasonal coworking passes, and explore secondhand shopping for gear. Seasonal crowds can affect parking and short-term rentals, so plan longer stays during shoulder seasons for a steadier rhythm. Tip: set up a core weekly plan and adjust with local insights.
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