Cost of Living in El Monte, CA
Population 107,066 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in El Monte is priced well above national norms — a median of $626,000, roughly 105% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that California. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in El Monte
The median home value in El Monte is $626,000 — 105% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,677/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,484/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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, El Monte has a cost of living index of 174 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 74% 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 Monte, CA?
El Monte has a cost index of 174 (100 = national average). It is 74% above the national average.
What is average rent in El Monte, CA?
The median gross rent in El Monte is $1,677 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in El Monte?
The median home value in El Monte is $626,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in El Monte?
The median household income in El Monte is $64,484 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in El Monte, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in El Monte is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is El Monte, CA affordable?
El Monte is above average in cost of living, with an index of 174 — about 74% higher than the national average.
El Monte at a Glance
- Population
- 107,066
- Median Income
- $64,484
- Home Value
- $626,000
- Median Rent
- $1,677/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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