Cost of Living in Santee, CA
Population 59,485 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Santee's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $653,000 for a typical home, 114% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $105,613 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located <5 miles northwest of El Cajon, Santee falls within that metro's commuting orbit. 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 Santee
The median home value in Santee is $653,400 — 114% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,197/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,613/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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, Santee has a cost of living index of 195 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 95% 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 Santee, CA?
Santee has a cost index of 195 (100 = national average). It is 95% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santee, CA?
The median gross rent in Santee is $2,197 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santee?
The median home value in Santee is $653,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santee?
The median household income in Santee is $105,613 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santee, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santee is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santee, CA affordable?
Santee is above average in cost of living, with an index of 195 — about 95% higher than the national average.
Santee at a Glance
- Population
- 59,485
- Median Income
- $105,613
- Home Value
- $653,400
- Median Rent
- $2,197/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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