Salary And Cost Of Living In East La Mirada CA

East La Mirada, CA is a small unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, bordered by the cities of La Mirada, Whittier, and La Habra. Families and professionals are increasingly drawn to this area because it offers a suburban feel, convenient access to major employment centers, and relatively more attainable housing than many nearby Southern California communities. To help you evaluate whether East La Mirada, CA is the right place for you, this guide explores the average salary, cost of living, home values, rents, neighborhoods, and schools in a clear, data-driven way.

Average Salary In East La Mirada CA

Because East La Mirada is unincorporated and relatively small, salary data is often grouped with surrounding areas such as La Mirada, Whittier, and the wider Los Angeles County region. Nonetheless, these numbers provide a useful benchmark for what residents typically earn.

Many residents work in nearby employment hubs including Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Santa Fe Springs industrial corridor. Common occupations include healthcare, education, logistics, retail, and professional services. Below is an approximate snapshot of annual incomes in and around East La Mirada, CA.

Income Metric (Estimated)	Amount (Annual)
Median Household Income	$85,000 – $95,000
Average Household Income	$95,000 – $105,000
Per Capita Income	$32,000 – $38,000
Typical Professional Salary Range	$60,000 – $110,000

Households with dual incomes often find East La Mirada, CA relatively manageable despite Southern California’s high costs. However, it is important to balance income expectations against the area’s housing, transportation, and everyday living expenses, which we discuss in the following sections.

Cost Of Living In East La Mirada CA

The overall cost of living in East La Mirada, CA is notably higher than the national average, but generally comparable to many parts of Los Angeles County and nearby Orange County. Residents pay more for housing and transportation, while expenses such as groceries and healthcare are moderately above the U.S. average.

To better understand the cost pressures, consider the following estimated cost of living comparison.

Cost Category	East La Mirada, CA Index*	National Average Index = 100
Overall Cost Of Living	135 – 145	100
Housing	165 – 185	100
Groceries	110 – 115	100
Utilities	100 – 105	100
Transportation	120 – 130	100
Healthcare	105 – 110	100

*Indexes are approximate and based on regional data. They illustrate relative differences rather than exact figures.

When planning a move to East La Mirada, CA, budget carefully for commuting costs, insurance, and utilities. Residents often drive to work in surrounding cities, so fuel, car maintenance, and auto insurance can add significantly to monthly expenses. On the positive side, the community’s suburban layout and proximity to major freeways mean you can access multiple job markets while still enjoying a quieter residential environment.

Average Home Values And Rents In East La Mirada CA

Housing is typically the largest expense for households in East La Mirada, CA. The area is dominated by single-family homes, many built in the mid-20th century, with a mix of updated properties and more modest, older residences. While home prices have risen over the last decade, East La Mirada often remains slightly more affordable than some neighboring cities closer to the coast or in high-demand school districts.

Housing Metric (Estimated)	East La Mirada, CA
Median Single-Family Home Value	$750,000 – $825,000
Typical Entry-Level Home Range	$650,000 – $725,000
Higher-End Home Range	$850,000 – $950,000+
Median Monthly Rent (2-Bed Apartment)	$2,300 – $2,700
Median Monthly Rent (3-Bed Home)	$2,800 – $3,400

Local renters and buyers in East La Mirada, CA compete in the same broader market as neighboring communities, so demand tends to remain high. Prospective residents should be prepared for competitive offers, especially for well-maintained single-family homes near top-rated schools and parks.

To put these numbers into perspective, the following simple chart shows how housing costs can compare with household income, assuming median values:

Metric	Estimated Amount
Median Household Income	$90,000
Median Home Value	$785,000
Home Value ÷ Income Ratio	~8.7x

This ratio highlights that homeownership in East La Mirada, CA often requires substantial savings and strong credit, or the benefit of equity from a prior home sale. Long-term residents, however, may benefit from significant appreciation over time.

Best Neighborhoods In East La Mirada CA

Although East La Mirada, CA is compact, residents often distinguish micro-neighborhoods by proximity to schools, parks, and bordering cities. The entire community offers a predominantly residential feel with tree-lined streets and a mix of single-story ranch-style homes and modest two-story properties.

Here are several areas and characteristics that local homebuyers and renters frequently seek out:

1. North East La Mirada Near Biola Avenue

This area borders La Mirada and is convenient to Biola University, La Mirada Regional Park, and nearby shopping centers. Homes here are popular with faculty, staff, and families who appreciate easy access to higher education and recreational amenities.

2. Residential Streets Near Imperial Highway

Residential pockets just off Imperial Highway provide quick access to major roads leading into Whittier, La Habra, and the rest of Los Angeles County. These streets are attractive for commuters who value shorter drive times while still enjoying a quieter neighborhood setting.

3. Family-Friendly Blocks Near Local Parks

Scattered throughout East La Mirada, CA are small parks and green spaces that serve as neighborhood gathering points. Blocks within walking distance of these parks are especially desirable for families with young children, dog owners, and active residents seeking outdoor space.

Across East La Mirada, walkability within residential areas is good, although most residents rely on cars for work, shopping, and entertainment. When evaluating homes, paying attention to school district boundaries and park access can help you find a neighborhood that aligns with your priorities.

Schools And Education In East La Mirada CA

Strong schools are a major reason many families choose East La Mirada, CA. The community is primarily served by the East Whittier City School District for elementary and middle schools and by nearby high school districts for secondary education. In addition, families benefit from proximity to respected private schools and Biola University in neighboring La Mirada.

School Type	Examples Near East La Mirada, CA	Key Highlights
Public Elementary & Middle	Local schools within East Whittier City School District	Reputation for solid academics and community involvement
Public High Schools	Nearby high schools in surrounding districts (Whittier, La Mirada areas)	Offer a variety of college prep and extracurricular programs
Private & Faith-Based Schools	Several options in Whittier, La Mirada, and La Habra	Smaller class sizes and specialized curricula
Higher Education	Biola University (La Mirada) and regional community colleges	Undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs

Families in East La Mirada, CA often cite school quality and a strong sense of community as top reasons for moving to the area. Before purchasing or renting, it is wise to confirm the exact school assignments for your address, since district boundaries can be complex and may change over time.

Living In East La Mirada CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

When you combine the average salaries, cost of living, and housing prices in East La Mirada, CA, a clear picture emerges: this community offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with relatively high living expenses, consistent with much of Southern California. For many households, achieving financial comfort here depends on stable employment, careful budgeting, and long-term planning.

Professionals appreciate the central location, which provides access to jobs in Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley. Families are drawn to solid schools, quiet residential streets, and close-knit neighborhoods. While home prices and rents are elevated compared to national norms, East La Mirada’s position within a larger, thriving regional economy can offer strong long-term value, especially for those planning to settle in the area for several years or more.

Ultimately, whether East La Mirada, CA is right for you will depend on your income, lifestyle preferences, and housing goals. By carefully comparing salary expectations with local costs and by focusing on the neighborhoods and schools that matter most to you, you can make a confident and informed decision about putting down roots in this appealing Southern California community.