Cost of Living in La Mesa, CA
Population: 60,835 • 2026 Data
$84,337
Median Household Income
+9% vs national
$1,958
Median Monthly Rent
+45% vs national
$738,800
Median Home Value
+118% vs national
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in La Mesa
The median home value in La Mesa, CA is $738,800. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,958, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,021.
Rent-to-income ratio: 27.9%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in La Mesa, CA is $84,337. The unemployment rate stands at 6.1%, with a labor force of 33,956 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.