Cost of Living in Imperial Beach, CA
Population 25,897 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Imperial Beach's housing market carries a clear premium over the US median: $811,000 for a typical home, about 166% above the national figure. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Imperial Beach sits roughly 7 miles southwest of Chula Vista. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Chula Vista's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Imperial Beach
The median home value in Imperial Beach is $811,000 — 166% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,914/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,071/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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 69.7°F and lows of 55.0°F. Overall, Imperial Beach has a cost of living index of 218 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 118% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 70 | 66 |
| Low °F | 47 | 48 | 51 | 53 | 57 | 60 | 64 | 65 | 62 | 56 | 50 | 46 |
| Precip" | 1.69 | 2.10 | 1.85 | 0.59 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.33 | 0.03 | 0.14 | 0.42 | 0.80 | 0.45 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Imperial Beach, CA?
Imperial Beach has a cost index of 218 (100 = national average). It is 118% above the national average.
What is average rent in Imperial Beach, CA?
The median gross rent in Imperial Beach is $1,914 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Imperial Beach?
The median home value in Imperial Beach is $811,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Imperial Beach?
The median household income in Imperial Beach is $79,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Imperial Beach, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Imperial Beach is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Imperial Beach, CA affordable?
Imperial Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 218 — about 118% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach has average high temperatures of 69.7°F and average lows of 55.0°F. Annual precipitation is 8.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Imperial Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 25,897
- Median Income
- $79,071
- Home Value
- $811,000
- Median Rent
- $1,914/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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