Cost of Living in Lake Elsinore, CA
Population 71,516 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Lake Elsinore is a long average commute — 45 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Lake Elsinore sits roughly 9 miles west of Menifee — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Menifee's $487,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Elsinore
The median home value in Lake Elsinore is $505,700 — 66% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,915/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,527/year is 29% higher 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, Lake Elsinore has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% 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 Lake Elsinore, CA?
Lake Elsinore has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Elsinore, CA?
The median gross rent in Lake Elsinore is $1,915 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Elsinore?
The median home value in Lake Elsinore is $505,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Elsinore?
The median household income in Lake Elsinore is $96,527 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Elsinore, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Elsinore is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lake Elsinore, CA affordable?
Lake Elsinore is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.
Lake Elsinore at a Glance
- Population
- 71,516
- Median Income
- $96,527
- Home Value
- $505,700
- Median Rent
- $1,915/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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