El Cajon, CA

Very High · 153

California · Population 104,909 · Updated March 2026

$1,790
Median Rent / Month
$66,478
Median Income
$632,800
Median Home Value
$1,841
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in El Cajon

32.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$21,480
Annual Rent
$8,842
State Income Tax
$4,493
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

El Cajon has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 153 (where 100 equals the national median), El Cajon residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,790/month while earning a median household income of $66,478/year.

The median home value in El Cajon, CA is $632,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,841 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 32.3% rent-to-income ratio, residents of El Cajon are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in El Cajon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in El Cajon

What is the cost of living in El Cajon, CA?
The cost of living index in El Cajon, CA is 153 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,790, median household income is $66,478/year, and the median home value is $632,800.
Is El Cajon, CA affordable?
No, El Cajon is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 153. The rent-to-income ratio is 32.3%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in El Cajon, CA?
The median gross rent in El Cajon, CA is $1,790 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,480.
What is the median household income in El Cajon?
The median household income in El Cajon, CA is $66,478 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.