What does a San Diego Class A fit-out cost?

From $85–$120/sqft for Basic to $270–$410/sqft for Trophy specification. Mid-spec — the most common — is $125–$180/sqft.

Are MEP and AV included in those bands?

Yes — bands include MEP, AV/IT cabling, FF&E, and a typical contingency.

Class A fit-out in San Diego ranges from $85–$120/sqft for basic specification to $270–$410/sqft for trophy.

Basic fit-out: $85–$120/sqft.
Mid spec: $125–$180/sqft.
High-end: $185–$270/sqft.
Trophy: $270–$410/sqft.
Always model fit-out as amortised capex inside total occupancy cost.

San Diego office fit-out costs

Class A fit-out">fit-out in San Diego ranges from $85–$120/sqft for basic specification to $270–$410/sqft for trophy.

TL;DR

Basic fit-out: $85–$120/sqft.
Mid spec: $125–$180/sqft.
High-end: $185–$270/sqft.
Trophy: $270–$410/sqft.
Always model fit-out as amortised capex inside total occupancy cost.

Cost bands

**Basic** ($85–$120/sqft): functional Cat-B with standard finishes and basic AV. **Mid** ($125–$180/sqft): branded reception, mix of meeting rooms, mid-grade AV, light biophilic touches. **High-end** ($185–$270/sqft): full client-facing programming, premium furniture, specialist AV. **Trophy** ($270–$410/sqft): fully bespoke design, signature staircase or feature, top-tier MEP and acoustic packages.

What drives variation

Local labour rates, MEP and AV scope, contingency, FF&E selection, and the building's Cat-A condition. Always price scenarios against landlord's TI to land on net-out-of-pocket capex.

Working with the landlord allowance

Use the Fit-out Budget Estimator with your spec level to benchmark; subtract landlord-funded TI to land on net spend. Over-allowance spend is amortised into rent — negotiate the rate up front.

Key facts

city	San Diego
country	United States
region	Americas
classARentLocal	56 USD/sqft/yr
classARentUsd	$56/sqft/yr
vacancy	18.4%
typicalLeaseYears	10
typicalRentFreeMonths	12
submarkets	5
primeYieldPct	6.4%
basicFitoutPsf	$85–$120/sqft
midFitoutPsf	$125–$180/sqft
highEndFitoutPsf	$185–$270/sqft
trophyFitoutPsf	$270–$410/sqft

Frequently asked questions

What does a San Diego Class A fit-out cost?: From $85–$120/sqft for Basic to $270–$410/sqft for Trophy specification. Mid-spec — the most common — is $125–$180/sqft.
Are MEP and AV included in those bands?: Yes — bands include MEP, AV/IT cabling, FF&E, and a typical contingency.

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Miriam Hollander — Lead market analyst. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
JLL Office Insight — JLL
Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
Savills World Research — Savills
Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

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