Cost of Living in South El Monte, CA
Population 19,413 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in South El Monte is priced well above national norms — a median of $578,000, roughly 90% 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.
Located <5 miles southwest of El Monte, South El Monte falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than El Monte's $626,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South El Monte
The median home value in South El Monte is $578,100 — 90% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,708/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,153/year is 10% lower 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, South El Monte has a cost of living index of 166 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% 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 South El Monte, CA?
South El Monte has a cost index of 166 (100 = national average). It is 66% above the national average.
What is average rent in South El Monte, CA?
The median gross rent in South El Monte is $1,708 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South El Monte?
The median home value in South El Monte is $578,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South El Monte?
The median household income in South El Monte is $67,153 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South El Monte, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South El Monte is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is South El Monte, CA affordable?
South El Monte is above average in cost of living, with an index of 166 — about 66% higher than the national average.
South El Monte at a Glance
- Population
- 19,413
- Median Income
- $67,153
- Home Value
- $578,100
- Median Rent
- $1,708/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs