What $750,000 Buys You in San Diego vs. Other California Cities

If you're considering purchasing a home in California with a budget of $750,000, it's essential to understand how far your money will go in different cities. From coastal hubs like San Diego and San Francisco to inland areas like Sacramento and Fresno, the real estate landscape varies significantly. This blog delves into affordability, home size and location, and whether investing in San Diego is worthwhile compared to other California cities.

• Affordability and Inventory

• Size and Location

• Is It Worth It?

Affordability and Inventory

In San Diego, the median home value stands at approximately $1,026,800, marking a 2.1% increase over the past year . With a $750,000 budget, buyers are below the median, limiting options primarily to older or smaller homes in neighborhoods like Paradise Hills, El Cajon, or Chula Vista. These areas offer more affordable choices but may require compromises on size or amenities.

Contrastingly, Fresno presents a more accessible market, with a median home value of $387,343, up 2.4% year-over-year . A $750,000 budget here can secure a high-end property with ample space and modern features. Similarly, Sacramento's median home value is $485,641, offering buyers the opportunity to purchase spacious, newer homes in desirable neighborhoods.

In Los Angeles, the average home value is $978,157, which means a $750,000 budget may only afford a modest condo or a fixer-upper in less central areas . San Francisco's market is even more challenging, with an average home value of $1,301,388, limiting options to small condos or units in less desirable locations.

Size and Location

With $750,000 in San Diego, buyers can typically find 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet in neighborhoods like Paradise Hills or Chula Vista. These areas offer family-friendly environments but are situated farther from the city's coastal attractions. Homes in this price range may be older and require updates, but they provide a foothold in a competitive market.​

In Sacramento, the same budget allows for larger homes, often exceeding 2,000 square feet, with modern amenities and larger lots. Neighborhoods like Elk Grove or Natomas offer newer constructions with community parks and good schools. Fresno offers even more value, with luxury homes featuring custom designs, expansive yards, and high-end finishes well within the $750,000 range.​

Conversely, in Los Angeles, buyers may find themselves limited to smaller condos or older single-family homes in outlying areas. San Francisco's high prices mean that $750,000 often only covers compact condos, sometimes in need of renovation, and located in less central neighborhoods.

Is It Worth It?

Investing $750,000 in San Diego real estate offers a balance between lifestyle and long-term value. While the budget may not secure a home in the city's most coveted coastal neighborhoods, it provides access to stable communities with growth potential. San Diego's strong job market, desirable climate, and quality of life contribute to steady property appreciation.​

In contrast, while cities like Fresno and Sacramento offer more substantial properties for the same budget, they may lack the coastal amenities and economic opportunities found in San Diego. Los Angeles and San Francisco present challenges with higher entry prices and limited options within this budget, potentially requiring significant compromises.​

Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual priorities. For those valuing coastal living and long-term investment in a robust market, San Diego remains a compelling choice. However, if immediate space and modern amenities are the primary concerns, exploring options in Sacramento or Fresno may be more advantageous.

Conclusion

A $750,000 home budget stretches in very different ways across California. In San Diego, it may not buy coastal luxury, but it does offer solid access to family-friendly neighborhoods with long-term growth potential. Compared to Fresno or Sacramento—where buyers can get newer, larger homes—San Diego prioritizes lifestyle, climate, and job market proximity. While trade-offs are inevitable, many still see San Diego as a worthwhile investment. Your decision depends on what you value most: space, affordability, or location.

Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going thru divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years..

• Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.
• Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.
• RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.
• SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.
• Melina is bilingual in English and German.
• Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.
• Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.
• Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.
• Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.