Cost of Living in Calexico, CA

Population 38,476 · California · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Calexico's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $50,021 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, Calexico lies roughly 85 miles east of the nearest major metro, El Cajon. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than El Cajon's $633,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 92
Rent 80

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

About the Cost of Living in Calexico

The median home value in Calexico is $281,700 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,049/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,021/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 88.6°F and lows of 58.7°F. Overall, Calexico has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$281,700
8% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$383,750
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,049/mo
20% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.4x
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 51.4%
Renter-occupied 48.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,049
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,663/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
26.8 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.5%
Carpooled
6.2%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
3.6%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
7.2%

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
$50,021
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,185
Unemployment Rate
18.3%
280% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Labor Force Participation
54.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.2%
Graduate degree 5.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.5
Male median age 30.6
Female median age 35.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
88.6°F
Avg Low
58.7°F
Annual Precip
2.4"
40° 58° 75° 93° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 7174808694104108108102907869
Low °F 424551566270787972604841
Precip" 0.410.380.290.080.070.000.110.150.180.190.180.34

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 61 — Moderate
28.5%
Good air days/yr
506
Max AQI recorded
98
PM2.5 days
171
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Calexico, CA?

Calexico has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Calexico, CA?

The median gross rent in Calexico is $1,049 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Calexico?

The median home value in Calexico is $281,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Calexico?

The median household income in Calexico is $50,021 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Calexico, CA?

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

Is Calexico, CA affordable?

Yes, Calexico is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Calexico?

Calexico has average high temperatures of 88.6°F and average lows of 58.7°F. Annual precipitation is 2.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Calexico at a Glance

Population
38,476
Median Income
$50,021
Home Value
$281,700
Median Rent
$1,049/mo
Unemployment
18.3%
Avg High Temp
88.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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