El Centro, CA

Below Avg · 80

California · Population 44,186 · Updated March 2026

$992
Median Rent / Month
$56,093
Median Income
$291,100
Median Home Value
$1,117
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in El Centro

21.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$11,904
Annual Rent
$7,460
State Income Tax
$2,067
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

El Centro is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 80 (where 100 equals the national median), El Centro residents can expect to pay median rent of $992/month while earning a median household income of $56,093/year.

The median home value in El Centro, CA is $291,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,117 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Centro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in El Centro

What is the cost of living in El Centro, CA?
The cost of living index in El Centro, CA is 80 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $992, median household income is $56,093/year, and the median home value is $291,100.
Is El Centro, CA affordable?
Yes, El Centro is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 80. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in El Centro, CA?
The median gross rent in El Centro, CA is $992 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,904.
What is the median household income in El Centro?
The median household income in El Centro, CA is $56,093 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%.