Cost of Living in Poway, CA
Population 48,515 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Poway run well above the national baseline, with a median of $972,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $143,825 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Poway sits roughly 10 miles south of Escondido. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Escondido's $664,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Poway
The median home value in Poway is $971,500 — 219% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,261/month, 72% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $143,825/year is 93% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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, Poway has a cost of living index of 260 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 160% 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 Poway, CA?
Poway has a cost index of 260 (100 = national average). It is 160% above the national average.
What is average rent in Poway, CA?
The median gross rent in Poway is $2,261 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Poway?
The median home value in Poway is $971,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Poway?
The median household income in Poway is $143,825 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Poway, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Poway is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Poway, CA affordable?
Poway is above average in cost of living, with an index of 260 — about 160% higher than the national average.
Poway at a Glance
- Population
- 48,515
- Median Income
- $143,825
- Home Value
- $971,500
- Median Rent
- $2,261/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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