San Clemente, CA

Very High · 252

California · Population 63,510 · Updated March 2026

$2,398
Median Rent / Month
$134,735
Median Income
$1,220,500
Median Home Value
$2,793
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Clemente

21.4%
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

$28,776
Annual Rent
$17,920
State Income Tax
$8,666
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Clemente has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 252 (where 100 equals the national median), San Clemente residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,398/month while earning a median household income of $134,735/year.

The median home value in San Clemente, CA is $1,220,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,793 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% 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 San Clemente.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Clemente

What is the cost of living in San Clemente, CA?
The cost of living index in San Clemente, CA is 252 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,398, median household income is $134,735/year, and the median home value is $1,220,500.
Is San Clemente, CA affordable?
No, San Clemente is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 252. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in San Clemente, CA?
The median gross rent in San Clemente, CA is $2,398 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,776.
What is the median household income in San Clemente?
The median household income in San Clemente, CA is $134,735 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%.