Cost of Living in Rancho San Diego, CA
Population 22,264 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Rancho San Diego run well above the national baseline, with a median of $854,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $118,431 place the city among the better-paid California metros. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Rancho San Diego is part of the immediate El Cajon metro area. Median home values run roughly 35% higher than El Cajon's $633,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rancho San Diego
The median home value in Rancho San Diego is $854,200 — 180% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,431/month, 85% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,431/year is 59% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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, Rancho San Diego has a cost of living index of 242 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 142% 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 Rancho San Diego, CA?
Rancho San Diego has a cost index of 242 (100 = national average). It is 142% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rancho San Diego, CA?
The median gross rent in Rancho San Diego is $2,431 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rancho San Diego?
The median home value in Rancho San Diego is $854,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Rancho San Diego?
The median household income in Rancho San Diego is $118,431 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rancho San Diego, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rancho San Diego is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Rancho San Diego, CA affordable?
Rancho San Diego is above average in cost of living, with an index of 242 — about 142% higher than the national average.
Rancho San Diego at a Glance
- Population
- 22,264
- Median Income
- $118,431
- Home Value
- $854,200
- Median Rent
- $2,431/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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