El Monte, CA

Very High · 146

California · Population 107,066 · Updated March 2026

$1,677
Median Rent / Month
$64,484
Median Income
$626,000
Median Home Value
$1,653
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in El Monte

31.2%
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

$20,124
Annual Rent
$8,576
State Income Tax
$4,445
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

El Monte has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 146 (where 100 equals the national median), El Monte residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,677/month while earning a median household income of $64,484/year.

The median home value in El Monte, CA is $626,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,653 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 31.2% rent-to-income ratio, residents of El Monte 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 Monte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in El Monte

What is the cost of living in El Monte, CA?
The cost of living index in El Monte, CA is 146 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,677, median household income is $64,484/year, and the median home value is $626,000.
Is El Monte, CA affordable?
No, El Monte is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 146. The rent-to-income ratio is 31.2%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in El Monte, CA?
The median gross rent in El Monte, CA is $1,677 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,124.
What is the median household income in El Monte?
The median household income in El Monte, CA is $64,484 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%.