City in California, United States
San Diego
Mild weather year-round, beaches, surf, tacos and craft beer in a laid-back coastal city. Easy for solo trips; rent and hotels are pricey, and the city is spread out and car-friendly.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$4,600–6,500Comfortable, one person · $4,600–6,500Details
- Value for money4/100Better value than 3% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–NovWarmest: Aug, 32°CDetails
- Air quality8.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and safe, though hard and mineral-tasting; refill stations are common on the waterfront.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$160–350Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, taco stands and some beach shops.Details
Where to stay in San Diego
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter | First-timers: Trolley hub, nightlife and walkable sights |
| Pacific Beach | Surf, bars and a young, social beach scene |
| La Jolla | Upscale cove beaches, sea lions and snorkelling |
| North Park / South Park | Breweries, cafés and independent shops |
| Ocean Beach | Laid-back surf town with cheap food and bars |
Apps that work in San Diego
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are less common than rideshare; both work at the airport. Waymo is expanding in Southern California but not yet in San Diego.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips, taco stands and some beach shops.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United States
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- San FranciscoCity
- HonoluluCity
- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to San Diego solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in San Diego meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
- San Diego International Airport
- San Diego Tourism Authority
- City of San Diego Public Utilities (water)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.