South El Monte, CA

Very High · 142

California · Population 19,413 · Updated March 2026

$1,708
Median Rent / Month
$67,153
Median Income
$578,100
Median Home Value
$1,670
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South El Monte

30.5%
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

$20,496
Annual Rent
$8,931
State Income Tax
$4,105
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South El Monte has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 142 (where 100 equals the national median), South El Monte residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,708/month while earning a median household income of $67,153/year.

The median home value in South El Monte, CA is $578,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,670 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.5% rent-to-income ratio, residents of South El Monte 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 South El Monte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South El Monte

What is the cost of living in South El Monte, CA?
The cost of living index in South El Monte, CA is 142 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,708, median household income is $67,153/year, and the median home value is $578,100.
Is South El Monte, CA affordable?
No, South El Monte is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 142. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in South El Monte, CA?
The median gross rent in South El Monte, CA is $1,708 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,496.
What is the median household income in South El Monte?
The median household income in South El Monte, CA is $67,153 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%.