Salary And Cost Of Living In San Fernando CA

San Fernando, CA is a small, historic city in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, surrounded by the greater Los Angeles area. For professionals, families, and renters evaluating a move, understanding **salary levels, housing prices, and daily living expenses in San Fernando, California** is essential. Because the city offers a blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm, many people compare its costs to nearby Los Angeles communities when planning their budgets.

Below, we will explore the **average salary in San Fernando, CA**, the **overall cost of living**, **home values and rents**, **best neighborhoods in and around San Fernando**, and an overview of **schools and education options**. This information can help you decide whether living and working in San Fernando, CA fits your long‑term financial and lifestyle goals.

Average Salary In San Fernando CA

San Fernando’s economy is closely tied to the broader Los Angeles County job market, with employment in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, retail, education, and public services. While specific salaries vary by industry and experience, residents typically earn wages comparable to other communities in the San Fernando Valley.

The table below provides **approximate salary ranges** for common roles in and around San Fernando, CA. These are estimates based on regional data and may vary by employer and qualifications.

Job Title (San Fernando, CA Area)	Approximate Annual Salary Range
Administrative Assistant	$40,000 – $55,000
Customer Service Representative	$38,000 – $50,000
Registered Nurse	$90,000 – $125,000
Manufacturing Technician	$45,000 – $65,000
Teacher (K–12)	$60,000 – $85,000
Software Engineer	$105,000 – $140,000
Retail Store Associate	$32,000 – $42,000

As you evaluate career opportunities in San Fernando, CA, it is important to weigh these salary levels against local housing and everyday expenses. **Higher‑paying professional roles can offset the relatively high cost of living**, while entry‑level or service positions may require careful budgeting or shared housing arrangements.

Cost Of Living In San Fernando CA

The **cost of living in San Fernando, California** is influenced by its proximity to Los Angeles, strong demand for housing, and California’s overall tax and regulatory environment. Compared with the national average, overall living costs are significantly higher, but they can be somewhat more moderate than in trendier areas of central and west Los Angeles.

The following chart shows how typical household expenses in San Fernando, CA compare to an index of 100 for the U.S. average (where 100 = average cost in the United States). These values are approximate and for illustrative purposes.

Cost Category	San Fernando, CA Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	145	100
Housing	190	100
Groceries	115	100
Transportation	140	100
Healthcare	110	100
Utilities	105	100

Several key points stand out when reviewing the **cost of living in San Fernando, CA**:

Housing is the highest cost driver. Rent and home prices in San Fernando consume a large share of most households’ budgets. This trend mirrors what is seen throughout the Los Angeles region.

Transportation costs are above average. Many residents rely on cars for commuting across the San Fernando Valley and into central Los Angeles, which adds fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Everyday expenses such as groceries and healthcare are moderately higher than the national average. However, these categories are generally manageable for households earning local median incomes or higher.

Average Home Values And Rents In San Fernando CA

The **housing market in San Fernando, CA** features a mix of single‑family homes, small apartment buildings, and multi‑unit complexes. Demand is driven by proximity to major freeways, local schools, and employment centers in the broader San Fernando Valley.

The table below outlines **approximate median home values and typical rents in San Fernando, California**, which can help renters and buyers budget more accurately.

Housing Type	Approximate Price Or Rent
Median Single‑Family Home Value	$750,000 – $850,000
Median Condo/Townhome Value	$550,000 – $650,000
Average Rent – Studio Apartment	$1,600 – $1,900 per month
Average Rent – 1‑Bedroom Apartment	$1,900 – $2,300 per month
Average Rent – 2‑Bedroom Apartment	$2,300 – $2,800 per month
Average Rent – 3‑Bedroom Home	$3,000 – $3,700 per month

For homeowners, San Fernando, CA offers the potential for long‑term equity growth due to limited land supply and regional demand. However, buyers should be prepared for competitive offers and strict lending standards.

For renters, San Fernando, California remains more affordable than some neighboring communities such as parts of Burbank or Studio City, though rents are still significantly above the national average. Sharing housing with roommates or seeking units slightly farther from major transit corridors can help reduce monthly costs.

Best Neighborhoods In And Around San Fernando CA

Although the City of San Fernando is compact, it offers several distinct areas and is surrounded by attractive neighborhoods in the greater San Fernando Valley. When considering the **best neighborhoods near San Fernando, CA**, it is important to balance commute times, school quality, and housing prices.

Below is an overview of notable residential areas in and around San Fernando, California:

Neighborhood	Location	Key Features
Central San Fernando	Within city limits	Walkable streets, local shops and restaurants, historic charm, primarily single‑family homes and small apartments.
Mission Hills	South of San Fernando, CA	Suburban feel, good freeway access, mix of older and updated homes, near major medical centers.
Pacoima	East and southeast of San Fernando	More budget‑friendly housing options, growing retail corridors, active community programs.
Sylmar	North and northeast of San Fernando	Hillside properties, some larger lots, access to outdoor recreation and regional parks.
Granada Hills	West of San Fernando, CA	Highly regarded schools, quiet residential streets, more spacious single‑family homes.

Families often prioritize Granada Hills and parts of Sylmar or Mission Hills for their combination of schools and suburban character, while young professionals may prefer more central areas of San Fernando, CA that offer easier access to transit and local amenities.

Schools And Education In San Fernando CA

The **schools in San Fernando, California** are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and neighboring districts, depending on exact boundaries. Families can choose from public schools, magnet and charter programs, and nearby private or parochial schools.

Here is a general overview of educational options in and around San Fernando, CA:

School Type	Examples Near San Fernando, CA	Highlights
Public Elementary Schools	Local LAUSD elementary campuses in and near San Fernando	Neighborhood‑based enrollment, bilingual programs at some sites, community involvement.
Middle And High Schools	San Fernando‑area middle and high schools	Offer college‑prep coursework, athletics, arts programs, and career‑technical pathways.
Magnet And Charter Schools	Valley‑based magnet programs and charter schools	Specialized focuses such as STEM, performing arts, or dual‑language immersion; may require application.
Private And Parochial Schools	Faith‑based and independent schools throughout the San Fernando Valley	Smaller class sizes, values‑based education, and diverse curricular approaches.
Colleges And Universities	Nearby Los Angeles Valley College, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)	Accessible higher education options for local graduates and working adults.

Families moving to San Fernando, CA should review individual school ratings, specialized programs, and transportation options to find the best match for their children. Many residents also appreciate the abundance of higher education choices within a short drive, supporting career advancement and continuing education.

Living In San Fernando CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Choosing to live in **San Fernando, California** involves weighing competitive salaries against a higher‑than‑average cost of living. While **housing and transportation costs in San Fernando, CA are significant**, the city offers a convenient location, a strong sense of community, and access to the broader economic opportunities of Los Angeles County.

For professionals in healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, and technology, **local salary levels can support a comfortable standard of living**, especially with careful budgeting and strategic housing choices. Families benefit from a variety of neighborhood options, nearby parks and recreation, and a mix of public and private schools throughout the San Fernando Valley.

By understanding **average salaries, the cost of living, home prices, rents, neighborhoods, and schools in San Fernando, CA**, you can make an informed decision about whether this historic Valley city aligns with your financial needs and long‑term lifestyle goals.