Cost of Living in Lake Mathews, CA
Population 6,749 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lake Mathews's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $678,000 for a typical home, 122% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $102,700 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 9.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Lake Mathews sits roughly 8 miles south of Riverside — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 25% higher than Riverside's $542,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Mathews
The median home value in Lake Mathews is $678,300 — 122% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,906/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,700/year is 38% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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 Mathews has a cost of living index of 191 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 91% more expensive.
Lake Mathews has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Mathews, CA?
Lake Mathews has a cost index of 191 (100 = national average). It is 91% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Mathews, CA?
The median gross rent in Lake Mathews is $1,906 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Mathews?
The median home value in Lake Mathews is $678,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lake Mathews?
The median household income in Lake Mathews is $102,700 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Mathews, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Mathews is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lake Mathews, CA affordable?
Lake Mathews is above average in cost of living, with an index of 191 — about 91% higher than the national average.
Lake Mathews at a Glance
- Population
- 6,749
- Median Income
- $102,700
- Home Value
- $678,300
- Median Rent
- $1,906/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs