Is it worth it? (San Diego: apartments, rent, condo)

[BSL63087]

For those who have lived in San Diego and other places, do you think San Diego is worth it? From what I've gathered it's quite a bit more expensive to live in San Diego than other western sun belt cities such as Phoenix or Dallas. I want to move to the southwest (I consider Dallas more southwest but that's another story) and while San Diego would be my first choice, I keep thinking Dallas is probably the place that would suit me best although Phoenix would work too. I would be making around $35-$40K a year at first which would probably go a lot farther in Dallas or Phoenix. I hope to eventually make more than that though. I'm a pretty simple person, not a whole lot of bills or debts, and the only place I'd spend a lot of money outside of just basic living is I do like to go to a lot of pro sports games in my free time and I also like to play golf (can get expensive if you don't watch it). Other than that, I really don't spend a whole lot of money on things outside of basic living, rent, food, clothes, utilities, cablevision, internet, etc.

With that said, do you think it is worth it to move to San Diego over Dallas? The positives are the beach and the weather. Coming from the Louisville, KY area I don't think Dallas weather is terrible although I've heard people say they don't like it at all. It seems like it's pretty nice there about 4 or 5 months out of the year, really hot 3 or 4 months out of the year, and a little chilly sometimes being more cold about 3 months out of the year. That would be a huge improvement over here. San Diego weather can't be beat though IMO.

How much more would it cost to live in San Diego over Dallas just based on what I'd likely be spending money on? Is rent the biggest thing that is more expensive?

Despite being young I'd really prefer to live alone, but I'd seriously consider a roommate for awhile if it meant giving myself a better chance of seriously making it in San Diego. I wouldn't want to do it for long though (probably no more than 2 years or so.)

[Imperial1904]

I grew up in San Diego, moved out because it wasn't affordable. I've lived in Oregon (still in Oregon) and Colorado and I always wish I was back in San Diego. If I could afford it, I would move back and possibly settle there.

I've never consider Dallas or the whole state of Texas as a Western state, but I've seen rent prices online for apartments and they seem very affordable than San Diego. Phoenix is also affordable but dealing with the relentless heat isn't worth it. In my opinion, San Diego has alot to offer. So I vote 'Yes'.

[sonicman25]

I would say yes. It depends on your situation though. From what I've seen rents in San Diego are do-able while buying a house is very very difficult unless you make a lot of money. I myself am planning on moving out to San Diego within the next few years. I'll most likely be renting a small studio apt though. I'm a long ways away from wanting to buy a house so I'm definitely considering San Diego. For me the perfect weather(Im from Minnesota), ocean, mountains, and things to do make SD a very appealing place that is worth paying more for. I don't know too much about Dallas other than it has a good job market, is big and sprawled out, and has a lower cost of living. I think if you are going to be renting and can manage to live fairly simple then go for San Diego. You can always move to places like Phoenix or Dallas later in life if you want to settle down and buy a house and live more comfortably.

[Sassberto]

Depends on your situation. If you can afford to live in SD, do it. If you can't, move to Dallas.

[norcal06]

Dunno if that income could get you a decent place in sd. I would def go with dallas.

[BSL63087]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Depends on your situation. If you can afford to live in SD, do it. If you can't, move to Dallas.

That's pretty much what I'm asking. Like anyone, I'd love to make 100K+/year and it not even matter but being realistic, I'll likely make probably in the 35K-50K range. I'm 20, so there are a lot of opportunities out there and who knows what could happen. I guess what I'm saying, if I made, say, $40ish K/year would I be able to live pretty decent in San Diego or would it be a struggle (i.e. not being able to afford a decent place in a safe area, barely getting by, no money left over for fun stuff, etc.)? I think 40K/year in Dallas would be pretty good. Not great or anything, but it should keep the bills paid, keep the rent paid, basically pay for everyday living and also have some left over for fun things such as baseball games or golf as I mentioned.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by BSL63087

That's pretty much what I'm asking. Like anyone, I'd love to make 100K+/year and it not even matter but being realistic, I'll likely make probably in the 35K-50K range. I'm 20, so there are a lot of opportunities out there and who knows what could happen. I guess what I'm saying, if I made, say, $40ish K/year would I be able to live pretty decent in San Diego or would it be a struggle (i.e. not being able to afford a decent place in a safe area, barely getting by, no money left over for fun stuff, etc.)? I think 40K/year in Dallas would be pretty good. Not great or anything, but it should keep the bills paid, keep the rent paid, basically pay for everyday living and also have some left over for fun things such as baseball games or golf as I mentioned.

if you rent and live cheap you'll be fine anywhere.

[BSL63087]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

if you rent and live cheap you'll be fine anywhere.

Alright, thanks.

I don't plan to buy anytime soon so I guess I'll be ok.

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

if you rent and live cheap you'll be fine anywhere.

Yeah, I would be better off if I stayed in my apartment instead of buying thinking it would have been a good investment. I really love my condo, but the way the market is now I'm upside-down. To answer the question of the poll, I don't think I would care for Dallas, but Atlanta is the city where I would get more for my money.

[sdurbanite]

$40,000 and renting with a roommate is definitely doable. Buying a house is another story. I know people who make less than that and live with roommates who are doing just fine.

Heck, you only live once