Cost of Living in Bonsall, CA

Population 4,308 · California · Data vintage 2023

251
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Bonsall sits 208% above the national median — $938,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $110,316 (48% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Geographically, Bonsall sits roughly 7 miles northeast of Oceanside. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Oceanside's $702,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 308
Rent 166

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bonsall

The median home value in Bonsall is $938,100 — 208% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,177/month, 66% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,316/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above 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, Bonsall has a cost of living index of 251 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 151% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$938,100
208% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$536,005
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,177/mo
66% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,495/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 67.5%
Renter-occupied 32.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,177
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,791/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
35.5 min
31% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.4%
Carpooled
5.0%
Walked
2.0%
Work from home
15.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$110,316
48% above avg
Per Capita Income
$59,884
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Labor Force Participation
54.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.2%
Graduate degree 14.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.6
Male median age 39.2
Female median age 43.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
16.7%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
151
PM2.5 days
185
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bonsall, CA?

Bonsall has a cost index of 251 (100 = national average). It is 151% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bonsall, CA?

The median gross rent in Bonsall is $2,177 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bonsall?

The median home value in Bonsall is $938,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bonsall?

The median household income in Bonsall is $110,316 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bonsall, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bonsall is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Bonsall, CA affordable?

Bonsall is above average in cost of living, with an index of 251 — about 151% higher than the national average.

Bonsall at a Glance

Population
4,308
Median Income
$110,316
Home Value
$938,100
Median Rent
$2,177/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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