Selling a Business in San Diego
Owners in the San Diego area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 93,407 employer businesses, and 86% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
San Diego Area by the numbers
93,407
93,407
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
309,797
309,797
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,391,721
1,391,721
EMPLOYMENT
$106.2 billion
$106.2 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
33,823
33,823
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How San Diego Area compares
The San Diego area ranks 3rd of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Diego, compared with 14% in California.
33,823 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The San Diego area ranks 3rd of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 8.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Diego, compared with 14% in California.
33,823 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 16,216 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 11,649 employer businesses
Retail: 9,207 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 8,380 employer businesses
Construction: 8,325 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 16,216 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 11,649 employer businesses
Retail: 9,207 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 8,380 employer businesses
Construction: 8,325 employer businesses
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in San Diego Area
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, retail, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in San Diego Area
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Diego. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
9,560 related employer businesses in San Diego.
General Contracting: 2,847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 1,159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 958 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 943 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
7,969 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,086 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 425 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,500 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Primary & Family Care: 2,576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,927 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
7,461 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,942 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,730 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 900 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 313 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
3,880 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 839 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,517 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Auto Repair: 1,125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,452 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Property Management: 1,510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
2,332 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 355 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,030 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
1,978 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Creative Agencies: 610 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 592 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,941 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Hair Salons: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,814 related employer businesses in San Diego.
General Freight Trucking: 1,027 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,037 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Daycare Centers: 883 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
891 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Compounding Pharmacies: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
882 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
875 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Hotels: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
852 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Gas Stations: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Care & Living
734 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Non-Medical Home Care: 373 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
656 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Bars & Pubs: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
432 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
321 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Waste Management & Recycling: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Land & Agriculture
6 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Diego. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
9,560 related employer businesses in San Diego.
General Contracting: 2,847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 1,159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,072 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 958 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 943 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
7,969 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 3,086 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 425 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,500 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Primary & Family Care: 2,576 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,927 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 996 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
7,461 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,942 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,730 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 900 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 313 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 283 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
3,880 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,340 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 839 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,517 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Auto Repair: 1,125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 308 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,452 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Property Management: 1,510 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 710 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
2,332 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 355 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 350 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,030 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 598 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 503 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 437 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
1,978 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Creative Agencies: 610 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 592 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,941 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Hair Salons: 847 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
1,814 related employer businesses in San Diego.
General Freight Trucking: 1,027 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,037 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Daycare Centers: 883 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
891 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Compounding Pharmacies: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 290 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
882 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 578 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
875 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Hotels: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 531 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
852 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Gas Stations: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Care & Living
734 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Non-Medical Home Care: 373 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
656 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Bars & Pubs: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
432 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Energy & Utilities
321 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Waste Management & Recycling: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Land & Agriculture
6 related employer businesses in San Diego.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in San Diego Area
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in San Diego. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in San Diego Area ask
How long does it take to sell a business in San Diego?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in San Diego?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in San Diego Area
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article