Imperial Beach, CA

Very High · 178

California · Population 25,897 · Updated March 2026

$1,914
Median Rent / Month
$79,071
Median Income
$811,000
Median Home Value
$1,922
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Imperial Beach

29.0%
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

$22,968
Annual Rent
$10,516
State Income Tax
$5,758
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Imperial Beach has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 178 (where 100 equals the national median), Imperial Beach residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,914/month while earning a median household income of $79,071/year.

The median home value in Imperial Beach, CA is $811,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,922 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%, Imperial Beach falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Imperial Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Imperial Beach

What is the cost of living in Imperial Beach, CA?
The cost of living index in Imperial Beach, CA is 178 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,914, median household income is $79,071/year, and the median home value is $811,000.
Is Imperial Beach, CA affordable?
No, Imperial Beach is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 178. The rent-to-income ratio is 29.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Imperial Beach, CA?
The median gross rent in Imperial Beach, CA is $1,914 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,968.
What is the median household income in Imperial Beach?
The median household income in Imperial Beach, CA is $79,071 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%.