Santee is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,950 and slightly lower grocery costs than the national average.
Imagine you’ve just moved to Santee, CA. As you settle into your new 2-bedroom apartment, the first of the month rolls around and reality sets in — it’s time to pay your bills and get a handle on your monthly living expenses. Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to live comfortably in this San Diego suburb.
Housing Costs in Santee
Housing is often the biggest line item in any budget, and Santee is no exception. In 2025, a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Santee rents for around $1,950 per month. If you’re looking to purchase a home, expect to pay between $550,000 and $750,000 for a 3-bedroom house, depending on the neighborhood and property condition.
Some of the more affordable areas to rent or buy in Santee include:
- Santee Villas, where 2-bedroom apartments can be found for around $1,800/month
- Carlton Hills, with 3-bedroom homes starting in the low $600,000s
- Santee Estates, offering older 3-bedroom properties from $550,000
Keep in mind that many neighborhoods in Santee have Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which can add $200-400 to your monthly housing costs. Renter’s insurance and utilities are additional expenses to factor in.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Santee are fairly consistent with the national average. Expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. Gas bills average $50-75 monthly, while water and trash are often included in rent or HOA fees for apartments (but not always for houses).
Here’s a sample monthly utility budget for a 2-bedroom apartment:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 |
| Gas | $60 |
| Internet/Cable | $100 |
| Water/Trash | $0 (typically included) |
Groceries and Food
A single adult in Santee spends an average of $300-400 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $900-1,100. This is slightly lower than the national average. Santee has several major grocery chains, including Vons, Albertsons, and Sprouts Farmers Market, which helps keep prices competitive.
Eating out will add to your food budget, of course. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Santee costs around $15-25 per person, while a fast food combo runs about $8-10.
Taxes and Fees
As a Santee homeowner, you’ll pay property taxes of approximately 1.25% of your home’s assessed value annually. For a $600,000 home, that equates to roughly $625 per month.
Sales tax in Santee is 7.75%, which includes state, county and city taxes. If you own a car, registration fees in California are based on the vehicle’s value and range from $50 to $500+ per year.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
So what does a typical monthly budget look like for Santee residents? Here’s a breakdown based on gross monthly income (pre-tax):
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent for 2BR) | $1,950 | $1,950 | $2,500 (3BR) |
| Utilities | $310 | $350 | $450 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other necessities | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Total | $4,060 | $5,400 | $7,550 |
Keep in mind these are averages and your actual budget may vary based on your specific needs and lifestyle. However, this gives a general sense of the income needed to live comfortably in Santee.
Lifestyle and Affordability
Compared to other parts of San Diego County, Santee offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing costs are lower than in coastal cities like Encinitas or Carlsbad, but still higher than further inland in El Cajon or Lakeside.
Santee’s central location provides good access to jobs throughout San Diego’s East County, and commute times are reasonable for those working downtown or in Mission Valley. However, living closer to major employment centers or the beach will come at a premium.
Residents enjoy Santee’s ample parks, recreational opportunities at nearby lakes and mountains, and growing restaurant scene. It’s a great spot for families and offers a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities not too far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Santee?
To live comfortably, a single person needs a gross income of at least $4,000 per month ($48K/year), while a family of four will want to aim for $7,500 monthly ($90K/year). But you can get by on less if you budget carefully.
Is Santee cheaper than San Diego?
Yes, the cost of living in Santee is about 20% lower than in the city of San Diego proper. You’ll notice the biggest savings in housing, as well as slightly lower food and utility costs.
What’s the cheapest way to live in Santee?
Renting a small apartment, living with roommates, cooking your own meals, and reducing vehicle expenses (by using public transit or driving less) are some of the best ways to minimize costs in Santee.
Are utilities expensive in Santee?
Utility costs in Santee are fairly typical for Southern California. Expect to pay $200-300/month for a 2-bedroom apartment, plus $100 or so for internet/cable. Larger homes will have higher utility bills.
How much is property tax in Santee?
Santee’s property tax rate is around 1.25% of assessed value annually. For a $600K home, that’s roughly $7,500 per year or $625 per month. But property taxes can vary based on specific location and home value.
What’s the sales tax rate in Santee?
As of 2025, sales tax in Santee is 7.75%. This includes the California state rate (6.0%), San Diego County rate (0.25%), and an additional 1.5% in local city taxes.
Is Santee a good place for families?
Santee is a great option for families wanting a suburban lifestyle with good schools, parks, and community amenities. Housing is relatively affordable compared to coastal San Diego County, making it easier to buy a home or rent a larger space.