What Is the Real Cost of Living in Solana Beach?

Solana Beach, a coastal enclave 23 miles north of San Diego up the I-5, attracts homebuyers looking for an upscale community with a small-town vibe. Its homes and neighborhoods, perched on high bluffs overlooking the Pacific, offer gorgeous views and a sense of tranquility while being close to amenities and a charming downtown. Solana Beach has charming restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and surf shops. The schools are excellent, and the people are friendly. It's the sort of place you can fall in love with the first time you visit.

While Solana Beach's desirability impacts its affordability, the cost of living is deemed worthwhile by its enthusiastic residents. Here’s an overview of the actual cost of living and the many perks and benefits of living in Solana Beach.

Solana Beach real estate is among the most desired in Southern California. As of fall 2023, the local market exhibits trends and potential for buyers and sellers. Here is a summary courtesy of trusted local agents Gillian and Prentiss.

Solana Beach is a rare real estate market with the potential to reward sellers and buyers of luxury real estate. The market has slowed this fall, with just one new listing appearing in September 2023. For single-family homes, year-to-date listings are down from 86 homes (through September 2022) to 65 homes (through September 2023). Over these parallel time frames, homes are more expensive in 2023 (median price: $3.1 million) than in 2022 (median price: $2.8 million).

Still, market data suggests buyers have a window of opportunity in Solana Beach. Data indicates that sellers slightly underpriced their homes in 2022 and are overpricing their homes in 2023. Despite the lag of new homes appearing on the market, September 2023 saw 4.9 months of inventory in Solana Beach (townhomes are even more stocked at 6.3 months of inventory). Between list price trends and robust inventory, buyers have a reason for optimism when moving to Solana Beach.

As a prospective homebuyer, you have many exciting options when looking at Solana Beach homes for sale. Above all, Solana Beach is known for its stunning oceanfront homes with direct access to the beach. These properties often feature panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious layouts, and upscale amenities. You can also find luxury homes inland with beachfront access via Fletcher Cove. Home styles come in many varieties, from charming cottages to more spacious family residences. There are even a few historical homes and gated communities in the neighborhood.

The beachfront lifestyle, outdoor activities, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community make Solana Beach a highly desirable place to live in Southern California. It offers the best coastal living and urban conveniences, making it a favorite among residents and visitors.

Whether swimming, surfing, beachcombing, or simply taking in stunning ocean views, the beach lifestyle is a major attraction. The city's coastal location offers residents breathtaking oceanfront views. The cliffs and bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean provide a serene and picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Meanwhile, the temperate Southern California climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Residents can hit the Coastal Rail Trail, Annie’s Canyon Trail, enjoy water sports, or explore the San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve.

Solana Beach boasts a walk score of 85, and its central hub is the Cedros Design District, an eclectic collection of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also an art and wellness hub with galleries, yoga studios, and gyms. Various events, like Fiesta del Sol and Concerts at the Cave, are concentrated near the Design District. You can find superb restaurants throughout the rest of Solana Beach. Claire’s On Cedros is a local favorite that is definitely worth checking out!

Solana Beach is conveniently located near San Diego, which offers additional employment opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural attractions. The city is also well-connected with major transportation routes. The excellent local schools are funded through property taxes and feature art and music in their curricula.

As a prospective homebuyer in Solana Beach, the home you buy is your main cost. Still, it pays to anticipate the following regular costs as part of your budget.

Solana Beach homeowners pay taxes of 1% of their property's assessed value plus additional fractions of a percentage to cover the local government's cost of servicing voter-approved bonds and other earmarked spending. Accounting for those additions, the town's current property tax rate is around 1.06%. At that rate, a Solana Beach home with a $3.2 million assessed value would have an annual tax bill of approximately $33,920, excluding homeowners association or shared-use fees.

Energy costs in Solana Beach exceed the national average. A large home in Solana Beach has an estimated average monthly electric bill of $1,187.50 and an annual price tag of $14,250. Monthly gas bills add up to about $1,800 annually, while trash and recycling services cost $324 annually. You can expect residential water rates to be a minor expense at $60 annually, while bundled cable and internet range between $100 and $200 monthly.

As is common throughout California, food costs slightly less than the national average in the San Diego region, likely owing to its proximity to the state's vast agricultural production areas. You can regulate food costs by obtaining fresh produce from the Solana Beach Farmers’ Market, which operates every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Buyers moving from out of state should expect higher gas prices in California, where a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline costs closer to $6 than the national average of $4. Many drivers in Solana Beach opt for electric vehicles to avoid paying for fuel. A growing number of charging stations can be found around town. You can also take public transportation via BREEZE (fixed route) buses, FLEX (localized) buses, and the COASTER commuter rail system.

Solana Beach is an undeniably upscale community, and for many homebuyers, the town's desirable real estate and lifestyle more than offset its higher-than-average cost of living.

If you are in the market for a home in Solana Beach, it pays to work with an experienced local real estate professional (or two!). Gillian Gillies and Prentiss Van Den Berg are agents you can trust for accurate information, market insight, and dependable advice. They know the Solana Beach real estate market inside and out and commit themselves to meeting your goals for finding a property to suit your needs, tastes, and budget. Contact them today to begin your search for the perfect Solana Beach home.