Cost of Living in La Mesa, CA
Population 60,835 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
La Mesa's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $739,000 for a typical home, 142% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $84,337 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located <5 miles southwest of El Cajon, La Mesa falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than El Cajon's $633,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Mesa
The median home value in La Mesa is $738,800 — 142% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,958/month, 49% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,337/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, La Mesa has a cost of living index of 205 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 105% 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 La Mesa, CA?
La Mesa has a cost index of 205 (100 = national average). It is 105% above the national average.
What is average rent in La Mesa, CA?
The median gross rent in La Mesa is $1,958 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Mesa?
The median home value in La Mesa is $738,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in La Mesa?
The median household income in La Mesa is $84,337 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Mesa, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Mesa is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is La Mesa, CA affordable?
La Mesa is above average in cost of living, with an index of 205 — about 105% higher than the national average.
La Mesa at a Glance
- Population
- 60,835
- Median Income
- $84,337
- Home Value
- $738,800
- Median Rent
- $1,958/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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