Travel Nurse Pay in San Diego, California
Calculate your take-home pay, compare costs, and find the best travel nursing opportunities in San Diego.
Calculate Your Pay in San Diego
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay in San Diego, including cost of living analysis to see your true discretionary income.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in CA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$173
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,947
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$25,314
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$50,627
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$101,254
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Cost of Living Analysis in California
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. California's cost of living is higher than the national average by 51.7 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Average Hourly Rate
$57/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,280
Average Rent (1BR)
$2,100/mo
Cost of Living Index
160.1
National avg = 100
Top Hospitals in San Diego
- UC San Diego Health
- Scripps Health
- Sharp HealthCare
High-Demand Specialties in San Diego
These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more assignment opportunities in San Diego. Check out our specialty guides for more information.
Resources for Travel Nurses in San Diego
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Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in San Diego, California?
Travel nurses in San Diego typically earn between $52 and $67 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $57/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $66-81 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for San Diego, California?
The GSA per diem rates for San Diego are: Lodging: $232/night, Meals: $74/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in San Diego?
The cost of living index in San Diego is 160.1, which is above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,100/month. Use our [cost of living calculator](/) to see your true discretionary income in San Diego.
What are the best hospitals for travel nurses in San Diego?
Top hospitals in San Diego include UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health, Sharp HealthCare, and more. These facilities often have high demand for travel nurses and offer competitive pay rates.
What specialties are in demand in San Diego?
High-demand specialties in San Diego include ICU, ER, OR. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more assignment opportunities.