Cost of Living in El Cajon, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,113 (excluding rent), and $3,207 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,874 (excluding rent), and $6,910 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.19 $19.19

$14.77 $14.77

$19.69 $19.69

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$79.7 $79.7

$31.87 $31.87

$89.6 $89.6

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$14.92 $14.92

$11.94 $11.94

$17.91 $17.91

Cappuccino

$5.14 $5.14

$3.55 $3.55

$7.9 $7.9

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.97 $2.97

$2.37 $2.37

$3.96 $3.96

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57 $2.57

$2.03 $2.03

$3.05 $3.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.15 $7.15

$4.93 $4.93

$11.84 $11.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.87 $7.87

$5.9 $5.9

$11.81 $11.81

Milk (1 liter)

$1.18 $1.18

$0.98 $0.98

$1.34 $1.34

White Bread (500g)

$4.22 $4.22

$1.44 $1.44

$6.64 $6.64

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.35 $4.35

$1.31 $1.31

$6.57 $6.57

Eggs

$3.7 $3.7

$2.91 $2.91

$7.78 $7.78

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.6 $13.6

$5.56 $5.56

$22.24 $22.24

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.88 $15.88

$6.48 $6.48

$19.44 $19.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.62 $15.62

$10.04 $10.04

$27.88 $27.88

Apples (1kg)

$4.53 $4.53

$2.23 $2.23

$8.68 $8.68

Banana (1kg)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.28 $1.28

$2.5 $2.5

Oranges (1kg)

$3.89 $3.89

$0.97 $0.97

$8.61 $8.61

Tomato (1kg)

$4.89 $4.89

$2.24 $2.24

$9.08 $9.08

Potato (1kg)

$2.98 $2.98

$1.31 $1.31

$6.55 $6.55

Onion (1kg)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.71 $1.71

$4.33 $4.33

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.09 $2.09

$1.01 $1.01

$3.55 $3.55

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.41 $2.41

$0.99 $0.99

$3.07 $3.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.11 $12.11

$7.06 $7.06

$12.67 $12.67

Wine (Bottle)

$14.8 $14.8

$7.9 $7.9

$20.72 $20.72

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.4 $1.4

$3.49 $3.49

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 $2.44

$1.71 $1.71

$2.92 $2.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.79 $1.79

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.92 $2.92

$9.73 $9.73

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.72 $1.72

$3.82 $3.82

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$27.46 $27.46

$63.8 $63.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.3 $1.3

$1.17 $1.17

$1.47 $1.47

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.6K $25.6K

$24K $24K

$36.9K $36.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.5K $27.5K

$26.1K $26.1K

$35.6K $35.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$158 $158

$120 $120

$186 $186

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.9 $54.9

$30.55 $30.55

$122 $122

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.8 $72.8

$50.8 $50.8

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.85 $43.85

$17.85 $17.85

$51 $51

Cinema Ticket

$15.26 $15.26

$13.14 $13.14

$18.19 $18.19

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,500 $1,500

$1,000 $1,000

$2,000 $2,000

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29K $29K

$18.2K $18.2K

$50.5K $50.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.69 $46.69

$24.58 $24.58

$63.9 $63.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.21 $34.21

$24.33 $24.33

$101 $101

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98.9 $98.9

$55.4 $55.4

$129 $129

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$102 $102

$69.8 $69.8

$159 $159

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,354 $2,354

$2,157 $2,157

$2,648 $2,648

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,976 $1,976

$1,751 $1,751

$2,201 $2,201

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,894 $2,894

$2,295 $2,295

$3,493 $3,493

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,019 $4,019

$3,014 $3,014

$5,023 $5,023

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,983 $3,983

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.39

7.25

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in El Cajon, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in El Cajon, CA, United States sits in the mid-range for the region, making it often appealing for first-time expats and remote workers. You’ll notice housing options that range from affordable apartments to comfortable single-family rentals, with costs generally lower than nearby San Diego neighborhoods. Local groceries and dining deliver good value when you compare quality and portion size, and you can balance costs by mixing markets and prepared foods. For a smoother transition, consider a longer trial stay in diverse neighborhoods to gauge commute times and amenities. Tip: start with a short-term rental while you explore neighborhoods and transit options.

Living day-to-day in El Cajon, CA, United States living cost offers practicality and variety. Housing search often yields well-priced apartments near major shopping centers or the trolley line, with longer leases balancing cost savings. Food options range from affordable markets to diverse eateries; cooking at home remains economical, while occasional takeout helps when you’re busy. For transport, many rely on a car, yet buses and biking can cover shorter trips if you pick a walkable neighborhood. Co-working spaces exist with day passes for freelancers and remote teams. El Cajon, CA, United States living cost provides a useful frame for budgeting as you map errands and commutes. Tip: start with a short-term stay and test transit routes before committing.

Quality of life in El Cajon supports a balanced approach to budget and lifestyle. Create a simple framework: fixed essentials (housing, utilities, groceries), flexible spends (entertainment, dining out), and save-for-season buffers (higher utility costs in hotter months, or travel). Explore neighborhood types by vibe: compact, transit-friendly cores; family-friendly suburbs; or coliving setups among remote workers. Seasonality matters: spring and fall tend to be milder and busier around outdoor activities, while summer can spike demand for rentals. Leverage free or low-cost amenities, farmers markets, and discount days at gyms or coworking spaces. Tip: track two weeks of expenses to identify saving opportunities and adjust your neighborhood choice accordingly.