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Cost of Living in National City, CA

Population 58,893 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,692
Median home value$612,200
Median household income$66,841

The median rent in National City, CA is $1,692/month, 17% lower than the California median and 20% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $612,200, 84% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $66,841 a year, 33% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 30.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $67,680/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 9.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $3,096/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

National City vs. California vs. U.S.

National CityCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$1,692$2,036$1,413
Median home value$612,200$734,700$332,700
Median household income$66,841$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate34.7%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher18.1%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate14.6%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate6.6%6.6%5.2%
Work from home6.5%17.2%15.1%
Median age36.137.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in National City, CA?

The median gross rent in National City, CA is $1,692 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in National City, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $67,680 a year in gross income.

Is National City, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 20% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 9.2 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

Amherst Town, MARent $1,671 · Income $66,968Lehigh Acres, FLRent $1,657 · Income $66,890Riviera Beach, FLRent $1,702 · Income $68,060Pompano Beach, FLRent $1,724 · Income $67,195Clearwater, FLRent $1,658 · Income $66,381Hollywood, FLRent $1,653 · Income $67,203

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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