Yes, it is absolutely possible to live in San Diego without a car. While it requires some planning and a willingness to adapt, many residents thrive using a combination of the city's public transit, biking infrastructure, ride-sharing services, and by choosing a walkable neighborhood. The key is living in a central area where daily needs are within easy reach.
San Diego's public transportation backbone is the MTS (Metropolitan Transit System), which includes buses and the Trolley light rail. The Trolley is particularly efficient for commuting downtown, to Old Town, Mission Valley, and as far south as the U.S.-Mexico border. For longer commutes, the Coaster commuter train connects North County coastal cities like Oceanside and Carlsbad to downtown San Diego.
Neighborhood choice is critical. Areas like North Park, Hillcrest, University Heights, Little Italy, and downtown San Diego are highly walkable with a high Walk Score, meaning groceries, restaurants, and entertainment are all within walking distance. These neighborhoods are also well-served by multiple bus and Trolley lines.
Biking is a viable option with an expanding network of bike lanes and paths, especially around Mission Bay and along the coast. For trips where walking or transit isn't practical, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft and car-sharing services like Zipcar fill the gap. The financial savings from avoiding car payments, insurance, parking, and gas can be significant, often offsetting the occasional cost of a rental car for a weekend trip.
| Factor | Details & Data | Viability |
|---|
| Public Transit | MTS system: Over 90 bus routes & 3 Trolley lines. Coaster train for North County. | High for commutes along transit corridors. |
| Walkability | Neighborhoods like North Park (Walk Score: 82) and Little Italy (Walk Score: 95) are highly walkable. | Essential for daily errands. |
| Bikeability | Over 500 miles of bike paths and lanes. Bike Score for San Diego: 55. | Good in flat, central areas and along the coast. |
| Ride-Sharing | Uber/Lyft widely available. Average 5-minute wait time in central areas. | Excellent for on-demand trips. |
| Cost Savings | Average annual car ownership cost in CA: ~$10,000. | Significant financial incentive. |
| Grocery Access | Services like Amazon Fresh, Instacart available in most zip codes. | Solves the "big grocery haul" challenge. |
The main challenge can be reaching suburban areas or attractions like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which may require a longer transit trip or a rideshare. However, for daily life within the city's urban core, a car-free lifestyle is not only possible but can be more enjoyable and affordable.
