Cost of Living in Bostonia, CA

Population 16,545 · California · Data vintage 2023

145
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Bostonia a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $436,000. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located <5 miles northeast of El Cajon, Bostonia falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than El Cajon's $633,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 143
Rent 147

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

About the Cost of Living in Bostonia

The median home value in Bostonia is $435,900 — 43% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,932/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,549/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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, Bostonia has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$435,900
43% above avg
Median Rent
$1,932/mo
47% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.8x
Favors buying
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 42.5%
Renter-occupied 57.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,932
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,546/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
27.3 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.4%
Carpooled
10.0%
Public transit
4.1%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
11.3%

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
$73,549
1% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,959
Unemployment Rate
8.9%
86% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Labor Force Participation
65.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.9%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.4
Male median age 33.6
Female median age 36.3

💨 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 Bostonia, CA?

Bostonia has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bostonia, CA?

The median gross rent in Bostonia is $1,932 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bostonia?

The median home value in Bostonia is $435,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bostonia?

The median household income in Bostonia is $73,549 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bostonia, CA?

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

Is Bostonia, CA affordable?

Bostonia is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.