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Cost of Living in Del Mar

Is it better to rent or buy in Del Mar? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$190,895
$3,383/mo

Median in area: $3,383

$2,000,001

Median in area: $2,000,001

$400,000

If you Rent

$3,584 /mo
Base Rent$3,383
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income22.5%
Pre-tax Residual$12,324

If you Buy

$11,717 /mo
P&I (7.015%)$10,661
Taxes & Ins$855
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income73.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,191

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Del Mar?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Del Mar. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $3,584, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $11,717 per month (a difference of $8,133).

How much do utilities cost in Del Mar?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Del Mar is approximately $201. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Del Mar?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Del Mar without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $143,360 per year.