National City, CA

Very High · 139

California · Population 55,960 · Updated March 2026

$1,619
Median Rent / Month
$64,248
Median Income
$580,900
Median Home Value
$1,636
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in National City

30.2%
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

$19,428
Annual Rent
$8,545
State Income Tax
$4,124
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

National City has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 139 (where 100 equals the national median), National City residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,619/month while earning a median household income of $64,248/year.

The median home value in National City, CA is $580,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,636 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.2% rent-to-income ratio, residents of National City 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 National City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in National City

What is the cost of living in National City, CA?
The cost of living index in National City, CA is 139 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,619, median household income is $64,248/year, and the median home value is $580,900.
Is National City, CA affordable?
No, National City is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 139. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.2%—above the 30% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in National City, CA?
The median gross rent in National City, CA is $1,619 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,428.
What is the median household income in National City?
The median household income in National City, CA is $64,248 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%.