Cost of Living in Escondido, CA
Population 149,913 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Escondido sits 118% above the national median — $664,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $84,477 (13% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Escondido
The median home value in Escondido is $663,500 — 118% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,922/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,477/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below 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, Escondido has a cost of living index of 189 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 89% 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 Escondido, CA?
Escondido has a cost index of 189 (100 = national average). It is 89% above the national average.
What is average rent in Escondido, CA?
The median gross rent in Escondido is $1,922 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Escondido?
The median home value in Escondido is $663,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Escondido?
The median household income in Escondido is $84,477 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Escondido, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Escondido is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Escondido, CA affordable?
Escondido is above average in cost of living, with an index of 189 — about 89% higher than the national average.
Escondido at a Glance
- Population
- 149,913
- Median Income
- $84,477
- Home Value
- $663,500
- Median Rent
- $1,922/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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