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Cost of Living in La Mesa

La Mesa, California, United States · Population 60,797

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in La Mesa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in La Mesa is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare La Mesa

La Mesa vs New YorkLa Mesa vs Los AngelesLa Mesa vs ChicagoLa Mesa vs MiamiLa Mesa vs HoustonLa Mesa vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Lemon Grove

4 km away · California

Casa de Oro-Mount Helix

5 km away · California

Spring Valley

6 km away · California

El Cajon

7 km away · California

La Presa

7 km away · California

Bostonia

9 km away · California

Rancho San Diego

9 km away · California

Santee

10 km away · California

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in La Mesa

La Mesa is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in La Mesa is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is La Mesa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in La Mesa including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in La Mesa?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in La Mesa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in La Mesa is $3,900.
How much is rent in La Mesa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is La Mesa cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — La Mesa is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in La Mesa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in La Mesa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in La Mesa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in La Mesa is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for La Mesa are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 60,797). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.