Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in El Monte, CA
El Monte, CA
Salary And Cost Of Living In El Monte CA
El Monte, CA, located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County, offers a dynamic blend of suburban comfort, cultural diversity, and access to major employment centers in Southern California. Understanding the salary levels and cost of living in El Monte, CA is essential for anyone considering relocating, changing jobs, or investing in property here. The following guide explores average salaries, everyday living expenses, home prices, rental rates, neighborhoods, and schools to help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary In El Monte CA
In El Monte, CA, earnings are influenced by proximity to the broader Los Angeles metro market and the city’s own local industries. Residents often work in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, education, health care, and public administration. While exact salaries vary by role and experience, the figures below provide a helpful snapshot of earning potential in the area.
Typical annual salaries in El Monte, CA include:
| Job Category | Typical Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Administrative & Office Support | $38,000 – $55,000 |
| Retail & Customer Service | $32,000 – $45,000 |
| Skilled Trades & Technicians | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Education & Social Services | $48,000 – $75,000 |
| Healthcare Professionals | $55,000 – $95,000 |
| Business, Finance & Management | $60,000 – $105,000 |
| Information Technology & Engineering | $70,000 – $120,000+ |
Because El Monte is part of the larger Los Angeles employment ecosystem, many residents commute to nearby cities such as Pasadena, West Covina, and Downtown Los Angeles for higher-paying positions. Dual-income households often find that combined earnings help offset the region’s higher housing and transportation costs.
Cost Of Living In El Monte CA
The cost of living in El Monte, CA is generally higher than the national average but can be slightly more affordable than some nearby Los Angeles communities. Housing and transportation tend to be the largest expenses, while groceries, healthcare, and utilities are more moderate compared to other parts of Southern California.
Below is an illustrative comparison of typical monthly expenses for a single adult renter in El Monte, CA:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment) | $1,700 – $2,100 |
| Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash) | $120 – $190 |
| Internet & Mobile Phone | $80 – $150 |
| Groceries & Household Items | $350 – $550 |
| Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Metro) | $250 – $500 |
| Healthcare (Insurance & Out-of-Pocket) | $200 – $400 |
| Dining, Entertainment & Misc. | $200 – $400 |
When compared with salaries, this cost structure means that budgeting is key for residents of El Monte, CA. Many families find that living slightly farther from central Los Angeles provides a better balance between housing affordability and access to jobs and amenities.
Average Home Values And Rents In El Monte CA
Housing is one of the most important factors in evaluating the overall affordability of El Monte, CA. The market features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartment communities. While prices fluctuate with the broader Southern California real estate market, El Monte is often more budget-friendly than some neighboring cities closer to the coast or downtown.
The following table provides an overview of typical home values and rental costs in El Monte, CA:
| Housing Type | Typical Price or Rent |
|---|---|
| Median Single-Family Home Value | $650,000 – $750,000 |
| Median Condo/Townhome Value | $500,000 – $600,000 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent | $1,700 – $2,100 per month |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent | $2,000 – $2,600 per month |
| 3-Bedroom Single-Family Rental | $2,700 – $3,400 per month |
To visualize the relationship between home size and typical rent in El Monte, CA, consider the chart below:
| Bedrooms | Relative Rent Level |
|---|---|
| Studio | █ █ █ ░ ░ (Lower) |
| 1 Bedroom | █ █ █ █ ░ (Moderate) |
| 2 Bedrooms | █ █ █ █ █ (Higher) |
| 3+ Bedrooms | █ █ █ █ █ █ (Highest) |
Buyers in El Monte, CA often target townhomes and condos as entry points into the local housing market, while families seeking more space look for single-family properties in established residential neighborhoods.
Best Neighborhoods In El Monte CA
El Monte, CA offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, housing options, and access to schools and parks. When evaluating the best neighborhoods in El Monte, CA, it is important to consider commute times, walkability, safety, and proximity to local amenities.
Below are several areas frequently highlighted by local residents and home seekers:
| Neighborhood / Area | Key Features |
|---|---|
| North El Monte Area | Primarily residential, close to the San Gabriel Valley, with access to schools, local parks, and convenient routes to Temple City and Arcadia. |
| Central El Monte | Near city services, shopping centers, and public transportation; offers a mix of older single-family homes and multifamily properties. |
| South El Monte Adjacent Areas | Mixture of residential and light industrial; attract residents seeking relatively more affordable housing with quick freeway access. |
| Maxson Road & Ramona Blvd Corridors | Established neighborhoods with local shops, schools, and community facilities; popular with long-time residents and families. |
As you explore neighborhoods in El Monte, CA, it is helpful to drive through at different times of day, check local services, and evaluate commute routes to major job hubs. Proximity to freeways such as I-10 and I-605 is a significant factor for many working professionals.
Schools In El Monte CA
The quality and variety of educational options are important considerations for families evaluating the cost of living and lifestyle in El Monte, CA. The area is primarily served by the El Monte City School District and El Monte Union High School District, along with some nearby districts and private schools.
Below is an overview of the school landscape in El Monte, CA:
| School Type | Examples In Or Near El Monte CA | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | Cherrylee Elementary, Wilkerson Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary | Focus on foundational academics, language development, and community programs. |
| Middle Schools | Gidley School, Potrero School, Columbia School | Offer college-prep pathways, arts, and extracurricular clubs. |
| High Schools | El Monte High School, Arroyo High School, Mountain View High School | Provide Advanced Placement classes, athletics, and career and technical education. |
| Private & Parochial Schools | Various faith-based and independent schools across the San Gabriel Valley | Smaller class sizes and specialized educational philosophies. |
| Nearby Colleges | Rio Hondo College, Mt. San Antonio College, Cal State LA | Accessible higher education and workforce training opportunities. |
Families in El Monte, CA often appreciate the availability of bilingual programs, after-school activities, and regional magnet options located throughout the San Gabriel Valley. When considering a move, it is wise to research specific school ratings, special programs, and transportation options for each neighborhood.
Living And Working In El Monte CA
Balancing salary potential with the cost of living in El Monte, CA requires careful planning, but many residents find that the city offers a strong value within the larger Los Angeles region. Competitive wages, a variety of housing options, and access to schools and transportation make El Monte an attractive choice for individuals, couples, and families.
By comparing average salaries to housing costs, reviewing neighborhood characteristics, and exploring local schools, you can determine whether El Monte, CA aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. As the city continues to evolve and invest in infrastructure and community resources, El Monte remains a compelling option for those seeking a convenient, community-oriented place to call home in Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in El Monte, CA
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