Lemon Grove is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,100 and slightly higher grocery and utility costs compared to national averages.
Is the true cost of living in Lemon Grove higher than you think? As a San Diego suburb, Lemon Grove offers a mix of urban convenience and small-town charm—but at what price? In this article, we’ll break down the real monthly expenses of calling Lemon Grove home, from housing and utilities to groceries and local taxes. Whether you’re renting an apartment or buying a house, here’s what you need to know about the cost of living in Lemon Grove in 2025.
Housing Costs in Lemon Grove
Housing is the biggest expense for most Lemon Grove residents. Rental prices vary based on neighborhood and property type, but you can expect to pay around $2,100 per month for a typical 2-bedroom apartment. Prices are higher in newer complexes or those with more amenities, while older buildings may offer slightly lower rents.
If you’re looking to buy, the median home price in Lemon Grove is around $650,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family house. However, prices can range from $550,000 for older homes to over $800,000 for new construction or larger properties. Some neighborhoods also have HOA fees, which can add $200-400 to your monthly housing costs.
Here’s a quick comparison of housing costs in different Lemon Grove neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | 2-Bedroom Apartment | 3-Bedroom House |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Lemon Grove | $1,900 – $2,300 | $600,000 – $750,000 |
| Monterey Heights | $2,000 – $2,400 | $650,000 – $800,000 |
| Lemon Grove Estates | $2,200 – $2,600 | $700,000 – $900,000 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, Lemon Grove residents also have to budget for monthly utilities. Electricity rates tend to be higher than the national average due to San Diego’s warm climate and reliance on air conditioning. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs spiking in the summer months.
Gas, water, and trash bills are more moderate, averaging about $80-120 per month combined. High-speed internet plans start at around $50 per month. Here’s a sample monthly utility budget:
- Electricity: $150 – $200
- Gas: $30 – $50
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $50 – $70
- Internet: $50 – $80
Groceries and Food
Grocery prices in Lemon Grove are about 10% higher than the national average. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $800-1,000 for a family of four. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional restaurant meals.
A gallon of milk costs about $4.50, while a dozen eggs average $3.00. A basic fast food meal is around $8-10, while a nicer sit-down restaurant will cost $20-30 per person.
Taxes in Lemon Grove
California has some of the highest taxes in the nation, and Lemon Grove is no exception. The sales tax rate is 7.75%, which applies to most purchases other than groceries and prescription drugs.
Property taxes in Lemon Grove average 1.1% of a home’s assessed value. For a $650,000 house, that equates to about $7,150 per year or $600 per month. Renters don’t pay property tax directly, but it’s factored into most apartment pricing.
California also has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 12.3% depending on income level. A single person earning $60,000 per year would owe about $2,500 in state income tax, or $208 per month.
Monthly Budget Summary
So what does it really cost to live in Lemon Grove? Here’s a sample monthly budget for different household sizes, based on average expenses:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $2,100 | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $300 | $400 |
| Groceries | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Other Necessities | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Taxes (Income/Property) | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $4,050 | $5,600 | $7,800 |
| Comfortable Gross Income (Monthly) | $5,400 | $7,500 | $10,400 |
Keep in mind these are averages and your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Lemon Grove is a relatively affordable choice compared to some coastal San Diego neighborhoods, but it’s still more expensive than many other parts of the country.
Lifestyle Considerations
In addition to pure costs, it’s important to consider quality of life factors when deciding where to live. Lemon Grove offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to San Diego’s urban amenities. Commute times are reasonable, with most residents spending 20-30 minutes driving to work.
Lemon Grove also boasts several parks, good schools, and a quaint downtown area with local restaurants and shops. Homes tend to be a bit smaller and older than in some newer suburbs, but many appreciate the established neighborhoods and sense of community.
Ultimately, the decision to live in Lemon Grove is a tradeoff between affordability, convenience, and lifestyle priorities. While it’s not the cheapest place to live, many find the combination of suburban comfort and urban access worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lemon Grove?
A: To afford a typical 2-bedroom apartment and other living expenses, an individual would need to earn around $65,000 per year ($5,400 per month) before taxes. A family of four would need closer to $125,000 annually ($10,400 per month). - Q: Is Lemon Grove cheaper than living in San Diego proper?
A: Yes, housing costs in Lemon Grove are about 15-20% lower on average than in central San Diego neighborhoods. However, Lemon Grove is still more expensive than many suburbs further from the coast. - Q: Are utilities expensive in Lemon Grove?
A: Electricity costs in Lemon Grove are higher than the national average, largely due to air conditioning needs. Gas, water, and other utilities are more moderate. Expect to pay $250-400 per month for utilities depending on your household size and usage. - Q: How much does transportation cost in Lemon Grove?
A: Most Lemon Grove residents drive, so transportation costs are mainly gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Budget at least $200 per month for transportation if you own a car. Public transit options are limited but can be cheaper if you live and work along bus routes. - Q: Are there ways to save money living in Lemon Grove?
A: Housing is the biggest expense, so opting for a smaller apartment or living with roommates can significantly reduce costs. Cooking meals at home, using energy-efficient appliances, and taking advantage of free parks and recreation can also help keep expenses down.