Cost of Living in Crest, CA

Population 3,034 · California · Data vintage 2023

234
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Crest sits 134% above the national median — $715,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $100,052 (34% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 5 miles east of El Cajon, Crest falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than El Cajon's $633,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 234

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

About the Cost of Living in Crest

The median home value in Crest is $715,100 — 134% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $100,052/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.1%, 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, Crest has a cost of living index of 234 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 134% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$715,100
134% above avg
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 89.7%
Renter-occupied 10.3%

🛒 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
30.0 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.5%
Carpooled
6.7%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
9.7%

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
$100,052
34% above avg
Per Capita Income
$40,546
Unemployment Rate
10.1%
111% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Labor Force Participation
53.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.6%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.6
Male median age 43.7
Female median age 42.9

💨 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 Crest, CA?

Crest has a cost index of 234 (100 = national average). It is 134% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Crest?

The median home value in Crest is $715,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Crest?

The median household income in Crest is $100,052 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Crest, CA?

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

Is Crest, CA affordable?

Crest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 234 — about 134% higher than the national average.