Cost of Living in Salton City, CA
Population 6,244 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Salton City run well below national norms — a median of $36,915 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $190,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 17.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 65 miles east of Escondido, Salton City is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than Escondido's $664,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salton City
The median home value in Salton City is $189,800 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,295/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,915/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 17.9%, 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, Salton City has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
Salton City 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 Salton City, CA?
Salton City has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salton City, CA?
The median gross rent in Salton City is $1,295 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salton City?
The median home value in Salton City is $189,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Salton City?
The median household income in Salton City is $36,915 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salton City, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salton City is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Salton City, CA affordable?
Yes, Salton City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Salton City at a Glance
- Population
- 6,244
- Median Income
- $36,915
- Home Value
- $189,800
- Median Rent
- $1,295/mo
- Unemployment
- 17.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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