San Diego Area Nurses

[alc0550]

Hello. My husband and I are thinking of relocating to the San Diego area since he has family there. We had been considering some east coast cities, but I love the idea of living in SoCal. I'm wondering how other nurses find the affordability of living in San Diego county. My husband is in school full-time and stays home with our toddler son, so we have been living on just my income which gets us by in Pennsylvania (we're about an hour outside of Philly). I have my BSN and OCN with four years of experience. Would anyone have any idea what I might make in this area, and if it would be affordable living on just my income?

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Probably 45$/hr approx, plus shift dif. However, California taxes are high. You'd probably bring home around 2500 to 2800 a check. Factor in at least 2000/mo for rent. (Likely higher) That leaves you over a little 3k for everything else. If you have student loans, a car payment, that $ can dwindle down quickly.

however, if you have a very strict budget and no bills, you'd probably be ok.

However, don't move to that area until you have a job lined up.

Good luck!

[alc0550]

Thanks for the response, that's helpful.

[SmashRN2]

I was just offered a job at UCSD in the cancer center. I too, have my OCN, a BSN and six years of experience. Today they quoted me at just over $45/hr but after looking more closely at their nursing contract, I think it should be closer to $48/hr. I will have to make sure before I accept. Hope this helps.

[alc0550]

Thanks for the info, and congratulations on your job offer!