Cost of Living in Alpine, CA
Population 15,470 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Alpine's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $810,000 for a typical home, 166% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $111,723 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Geographically, Alpine sits roughly 12 miles east of El Cajon. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than El Cajon's $633,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alpine
The median home value in Alpine is $810,000 — 166% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,025/month, 54% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,723/year is 50% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Alpine has a cost of living index of 221 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 121% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alpine, CA?
Alpine has a cost index of 221 (100 = national average). It is 121% above the national average.
What is average rent in Alpine, CA?
The median gross rent in Alpine is $2,025 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alpine?
The median home value in Alpine is $810,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alpine?
The median household income in Alpine is $111,723 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alpine, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alpine is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Alpine, CA affordable?
Alpine is above average in cost of living, with an index of 221 — about 121% higher than the national average.
Alpine at a Glance
- Population
- 15,470
- Median Income
- $111,723
- Home Value
- $810,000
- Median Rent
- $2,025/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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