Signal Hill, CA

Very High · 165

California · Population 11,563 · Updated March 2026

$1,817
Median Rent / Month
$102,303
Median Income
$725,500
Median Home Value
$1,918
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Signal Hill

21.3%
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

$21,804
Annual Rent
$13,606
State Income Tax
$5,151
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Signal Hill has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 165 (where 100 equals the national median), Signal Hill residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,817/month while earning a median household income of $102,303/year.

The median home value in Signal Hill, CA is $725,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,918 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% 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 Signal Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Signal Hill

What is the cost of living in Signal Hill, CA?
The cost of living index in Signal Hill, CA is 165 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,817, median household income is $102,303/year, and the median home value is $725,500.
Is Signal Hill, CA affordable?
No, Signal Hill is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 165. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Signal Hill, CA?
The median gross rent in Signal Hill, CA is $1,817 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,804.
What is the median household income in Signal Hill?
The median household income in Signal Hill, CA is $102,303 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%.