Imperial, CA

Average · 106

California · Population 20,943 · Updated March 2026

$1,396
Median Rent / Month
$83,214
Median Income
$344,700
Median Home Value
$1,628
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Imperial

20.1%
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

$16,752
Annual Rent
$11,067
State Income Tax
$2,447
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Imperial is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 106 (where 100 equals the national median), Imperial residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,396/month while earning a median household income of $83,214/year.

The median home value in Imperial, CA is $344,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,628 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% 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 Imperial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Imperial

What is the cost of living in Imperial, CA?
The cost of living index in Imperial, CA is 106 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,396, median household income is $83,214/year, and the median home value is $344,700.
Is Imperial, CA affordable?
No, Imperial is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 106. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Imperial, CA?
The median gross rent in Imperial, CA is $1,396 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,752.
What is the median household income in Imperial?
The median household income in Imperial, CA is $83,214 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%.