SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A new study says San Diegans are not always getting what they pay for when it comes to living in America's Finest City.
However, the Center for Sustainable Energy study also says there may be new opportunities to make more than ends meet.
Mikaela Bolling vents a frustration many San Diegans know well.
"Ah, renting is hard," she said. "You're putting money into a pot money where you're not getting anything in return."
In her case, it's $1,600 a month for a one-bedroom in Ocean Beach. It's money she'd rather save for a down payment on a home.
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Bolling worked on the study, which indicates she's not alone. The study gives life in San Diego a mixed review, with high home prices keeping people like her from owning. They're up 7 percent in the last year.
"You want to get married, buy a house, but feeling like that might not be a possibility for you in the future," Bolling said.
The report is also offering something positive because the economy is growing. Jobs in fields like construction, clean-tech and business services are offering opportunities with better pay, which could someday mean saying goodbye to a landlord forever.
There are apprenticeship programs that can train you for some of the jobs in demand.