Cost of Living in El Centro, CA
El Centro, CA — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in El Centro, CA to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Prices in El Centro, CA vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 95.2 | −4.8% |
| Housing | 66.3 | −33.7% |
| Goods | 105.2 | +5.2% |
| Utilities | 157.2 | +57.2% |
| Other services | 100.3 | +0.3% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in El Centro, CA
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $939 | $37,560/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,038 | $41,520/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,362 | $54,480/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,845 | $73,800/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,285 | $91,400/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Take-home pay in El Centro, CA
- Federal income tax$3,237
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,799
- Medicare (1.45%)$655
- California income tax$795
- CA State Disability Insurance (SDI)$587
- Take-home pay$37,068
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 4.00% state
Highest-paying jobs in El Centro, CA
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,140 | $29,563 | $31,062 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $34,320 | $28,948 | $30,416 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Centro, CA expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the El Centro, CA metro area are 95.2% of the U.S. average, with housing at 66.3%. It is the #164 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in El Centro, CA?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $57,104 in El Centro, CA (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $45,140.
How much is rent in El Centro, CA?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for El Centro, CA are $939 for a studio, $1,038 for one bedroom, $1,362 for two bedrooms and $1,845 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
Top salaries by field in El Centro, CA
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $34,320