La Mesa, CA

Very High · 173

California · Population 60,835 · Updated March 2026

$1,958
Median Rent / Month
$84,337
Median Income
$738,800
Median Home Value
$2,021
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in La Mesa

27.9%
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

$23,496
Annual Rent
$11,217
State Income Tax
$5,245
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

La Mesa has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 173 (where 100 equals the national median), La Mesa residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,958/month while earning a median household income of $84,337/year.

The median home value in La Mesa, CA is $738,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,021 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.9%, La Mesa 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 La Mesa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in La Mesa

What is the cost of living in La Mesa, CA?
The cost of living index in La Mesa, CA is 173 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,958, median household income is $84,337/year, and the median home value is $738,800.
Is La Mesa, CA affordable?
No, La Mesa is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 173. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in La Mesa, CA?
The median gross rent in La Mesa, CA is $1,958 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,496.
What is the median household income in La Mesa?
The median household income in La Mesa, CA is $84,337 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%.