Cost of Living in Lemon Grove, CA
Population 27,489 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Lemon Grove is priced well above national norms — a median of $641,000, roughly 110% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that California. At 7.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Lemon Grove sits roughly 6 miles southwest of El Cajon. Housing prices track closely with El Cajon's $633,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lemon Grove
The median home value in Lemon Grove is $640,600 — 110% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,769/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,278/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, 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, Lemon Grove has a cost of living index of 180 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 80% 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 Lemon Grove, CA?
Lemon Grove has a cost index of 180 (100 = national average). It is 80% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lemon Grove, CA?
The median gross rent in Lemon Grove is $1,769 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lemon Grove?
The median home value in Lemon Grove is $640,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lemon Grove?
The median household income in Lemon Grove is $79,278 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lemon Grove, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lemon Grove is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lemon Grove, CA affordable?
Lemon Grove is above average in cost of living, with an index of 180 — about 80% higher than the national average.
Lemon Grove at a Glance
- Population
- 27,489
- Median Income
- $79,278
- Home Value
- $640,600
- Median Rent
- $1,769/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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