House hacking in San Diego

[Orane Jacobs]

Is it worth it to house hack in San Diego in such an expensive market?

[Dan H.]

There are only a few large city markets were buying is currently cheaper than renting.  
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/real-estate-cheaper-to-buy-than...

Does this imply that house hacking in San Diego is a poor idea?   No!   Initially renting is likely cheaper, but when you purchase with a fixed rate loan most of your expenses are fixed cost.  The mortgage is fixed cost.  The property tax due to prop 13 is nearly a fixed cost.   In addition, you get mortgage pay down (the portion of the mortgage that goes to equity pay down) and tax benefits. 

versus if you rent, you rent is not fixed and will rise.  In a few years you will be paying more than if you had purchased. 

Virtually no one in San Diego says 10 years after purchase that it was a mistake.  What you are much more likely to hear is that they wish they could have purchased more properties.  

Good luck