El Cajon, CA vs. Escondido, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which San Diego suburb wins on affordability in 2025: El Cajon or Escondido? This article provides a head-to-head cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone deciding between El Cajon and Escondido this year.
Housing Costs
Let’s start with the biggest expense: housing. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs stack up:
| Housing Type | El Cajon | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,100 | $2,300 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $650,000 | $720,000 |
🏆 Winner: El Cajon. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $200 less per month, while buying a home is roughly $70,000 cheaper.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around:
- $120/month for electricity
- $40/month for water
- $80/month for gas
Energy usage may be slightly higher in the summer in El Cajon due to hotter temperatures. But overall, utility costs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility expenses.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like dining out or buying household goods are nearly identical in El Cajon and Escondido. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a family of 2-3.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are very similar.
Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are slightly lower in El Cajon at 1.1% vs 1.2% in Escondido. For a $600K home, that’s a difference of about $600 per year. City service fees and typical HOA dues are comparable between the two.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, but only by a small margin. The property tax rate is 0.1% lower.
Cost Summary
| Expense | El Cajon | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,100 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $240 | $240 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $220 |
| Taxes (1.1% vs 1.2%) | $550 | $600 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,990 | $4,260 |
Figures above are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a typical household.
Lifestyle Fit
While El Cajon has a slight edge on housing costs, both cities offer a similar suburban lifestyle. Escondido has more public transit options, while El Cajon is a bit more walkable. Commute times are comparable.
One key difference: El Cajon averages 5°F hotter than Escondido in the summer months. So if you prefer milder weather, Escondido may be more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is El Cajon more affordable than Escondido? Yes, but only slightly. Housing costs are about 5-10% lower in El Cajon.
- Which city has lower rent? El Cajon. Renting a 2BR apartment is around $200/month cheaper than in Escondido.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Also El Cajon. The median price for a 3BR house is about $70,000 less than in Escondido.
The Bottom Line
For most households, the cost of living in El Cajon is moderately lower than in Escondido, primarily due to more affordable housing. A family moving from Escondido to El Cajon could potentially save $300-400 per month on living expenses.
However, the difference isn’t drastic. Both cities provide a comparable San Diego suburban experience. Your ideal choice depends on your specific housing needs, commute, and neighborhood preferences.
Budgeting for your move? Check out these sample monthly budgets for El Cajon in 2025. Or see a full cost of living breakdown for El Cajon to plan out your expenses in more detail.