Lemon Grove, CA

Very High · 156

California · Population 27,489 · Updated March 2026

$1,769
Median Rent / Month
$79,278
Median Income
$640,600
Median Home Value
$2,009
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lemon Grove

26.8%
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

$21,228
Annual Rent
$10,544
State Income Tax
$4,548
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lemon Grove has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 156 (where 100 equals the national median), Lemon Grove residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,769/month while earning a median household income of $79,278/year.

The median home value in Lemon Grove, CA is $640,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,009 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.8%, Lemon Grove 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 Lemon Grove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lemon Grove

What is the cost of living in Lemon Grove, CA?
The cost of living index in Lemon Grove, CA is 156 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,769, median household income is $79,278/year, and the median home value is $640,600.
Is Lemon Grove, CA affordable?
No, Lemon Grove is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 156. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lemon Grove, CA?
The median gross rent in Lemon Grove, CA is $1,769 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,228.
What is the median household income in Lemon Grove?
The median household income in Lemon Grove, CA is $79,278 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%.