How Well Do You Really Know the San Diego Real Estate Market? A Reality Check

How much does a home in San Diego actually cost? It seems like a simple question, but the answer is far more complex than most people realize. A recent interactive quiz from the San Diego Union-Tribune, titled "Quiz: Test your Southern California home price knowledge," brilliantly highlights the gap between perception and reality when it comes to home prices across our region. While the quiz is a fun and engaging way to test your market savvy, it also reveals some crucial truths about the state of San Diego real estate and the importance of having expert guidance in this complex market.

The quiz challenges readers to guess the median home prices in Southern California's six counties, and the results are often surprising. Many people are shocked to learn just how much prices can vary from one county to the next. For example, according to the August 2025 data from Attom Data Solutions cited in a related Orange County Register article by the same author, the median home price in San Diego County was a robust $889,500. This is a world away from the more affordable Inland Empire, where the median price in San Bernardino County was $520,000. On the other end of the spectrum, Orange County clocked in as the most expensive in the region with a median of $1.15 million.

These numbers tell a powerful story. They show that Southern California is not a single, monolithic real estate market, but a collection of diverse micro markets, each with its own unique dynamics. For San Diego, the data confirms our status as one of the most desirable and valuable markets in the nation. Our median price of $889,500 is not only significantly higher than the national median of $365,000, but it also reflects a 2 percent increase from the previous year. This resilience in the face of a national market slowdown is a testament to the enduring appeal of our lifestyle, our strong job market, and our beautiful coastline.

However, the data also reveals a market in transition. While prices are up year over year, they are slightly down from the record highs we saw earlier in the year. Sales volume is also down significantly from the long term average, a clear sign that higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges are having an impact. This is the new reality of the San Diego market: a delicate balance between strong underlying demand and the economic pressures facing buyers.

So, what does this mean for you?

For Sellers: The fact that prices are still up year over year is great news. Your home is likely worth more than it was a year ago. However, the market is not as frenzied as it was. You can no longer expect multiple offers over asking price within days of listing. Pricing your home correctly from the start is more critical than ever. Working with an agent who can provide a detailed, data driven analysis of your specific neighborhood is the key to a successful sale in this market.

For Buyers: The slowdown in sales and the slight dip in prices from their peak could be the window of opportunity you have been waiting for. With less competition, you may have more room to negotiate and more time to make a thoughtful decision. However, it is crucial to be realistic about prices. As the quiz highlights, San Diego is an expensive market. Understanding the data and knowing what you can realistically afford is the first step to a successful home search. Get pre approved for a loan so you can act quickly when you find the right property.

The Union-Tribune's quiz is more than just a game; it is a valuable educational tool. It reminds us that in the world of real estate, knowledge is power. The headlines can be confusing, and it is easy to get caught up in the national narrative. But what really matters is what is happening right here in our own backyard. As a San Diego real estate professional, my job is to cut through the noise and provide you with the clear, accurate, and localized data you need to make informed decisions. If you are ready to move beyond the quiz and start your real estate journey, I invite you to visit our website and put our expertise to work for you.

This blog post is an analysis of the article "Quiz: Test your Southern California home price knowledge" published in the San Diego Union-Tribune.