Cost of Living in El Cajon, CA
Population 104,909 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
El Cajon's housing market carries a clear premium over the US median: $633,000 for a typical home, about 107% above the national figure. A poverty rate near 20% 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.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in El Cajon
The median home value in El Cajon is $632,800 — 107% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,790/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,478/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.2%, 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, El Cajon has a cost of living index of 179 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 79% 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 El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon has a cost index of 179 (100 = national average). It is 79% above the national average.
What is average rent in El Cajon, CA?
The median gross rent in El Cajon is $1,790 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in El Cajon?
The median home value in El Cajon is $632,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in El Cajon?
The median household income in El Cajon is $66,478 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in El Cajon, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in El Cajon is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is El Cajon, CA affordable?
El Cajon is above average in cost of living, with an index of 179 — about 79% higher than the national average.
El Cajon at a Glance
- Population
- 104,909
- Median Income
- $66,478
- Home Value
- $632,800
- Median Rent
- $1,790/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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