Is it Expensive to Live in Encinitas?

• Neighborhoods and News
• February 5, 2025

Southern California is a dream location for many, and one beach town stands out as one of the most sought-after with its world-class surfing, friendly, eclectic community, and first-class schools – Encinitas, California. But is it expensive to live in Encinitas?

Short answer? Yes, but it’s definitely worth it, and here we’ll cover some reasons why.

Is Encinitas Affluent?

Encinitas is a hub for entrepreneurs, professionals, and retirees not only seeking a great place to live, but a town with taste and charm. Does the Encinitas community have a reputation of being on the affluent side? Most definitely, and for these reasons:

• Median Income: The Encinitas median household income is around $150,471 per year, placing the city in the 98th percentile (U.S. Census Bureau).
• Cost of Living: Encinitas is about 66% over the national average and nearly 20% more expensive than other California cities, making it one of the more costly areas to live in the state.
• Economy: The local economy attracts tourists, smaller businesses, and digital nomads wanting to enjoy and prosper in a beachfront lifestyle and community.

Although Encinitas does cater to more affluent tastes, its residents do not fit into any particular mold, with both artists and professionals sharing drinks and Pollo Asados from “City Tacos” – Encinitas has a little something for everyone.

How Much is the Average Home in Encinitas?

The Encinitas real estate market is extremely competitive, with home values appreciating consistently over time. Zillow states the average home value in Encinitas is $1.8 million, a 4.2% increase over the previous year.

Below is a breakdown of average home values by neighborhood:

Neighborhood Average Home Value

Cardiff-by-the-Sea $700K to $5.3 million

Leucadia $50K to $24.7 million

Old Encinitas $1.9 million

New Encinitas $1.335 million

If you’re interested in selling your home in Encinitas, or seeing what’s new on the market, get in touch with an Encinitas realtor to help you find the right home for you and your lifestyle!

What are the Schools Like in Encinitas, CA?

A main draw for many families wanting to make the move to Encinitas is its top-rated schools. To start, the city offers the following:

1. Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) – Best known for solid academic performance and cutting-edge learning programs.
2. San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) – Incorporates top-ranked high schools like San Dieguito Academy and La Costa Canyon High School, rated as among the best in California.
3. Private Schools – The Grauer School and Pacific Academy offer small, more intimate class sizes and advanced curriculums.

With school being one of the major factors in buying a home, Encinitas schools boast consistently high test scores and graduation rates, making the city an ideal place for growing families wanting the best in education.

What are the Hottest Real Estate Markets in California?

The real estate market in California is no doubt red-hot, but how does Encinitas compare to other markets on the scene? Here’s some of 2024’s premium real estate hotspots:

• Los Angeles: Demand continues to stay strong despite higher prices, particularly in West Hollywood and Santa Monica neighborhoods.
• Bay Area: San Francisco and Silicon Valley consistently remain amongst the most expensive markets in the U.S.
• San Diego: A booming tech industry and steadily rising home values make San Diego a choice location to live.
• Encinitas: This coastal city with its mix of high-end amenities and beach-town charisma puts Encinitas at the top of the list for most desirable places to live in California.

Southern California has always been a haven for artists and entrepreneurs alike, and certainly remains a red-hot market–but before moving to California, it may be wise to consult a real estate agent to help you steer through the competition and find the right home for you.

Is Encinitas Too Expensive?

Is it expensive to live in Encinitas? In a word: yes–however, the prime location, lifestyle, and potential investment opportunities make it well worth the price for many. But don’t let the market competition discourage you if you feel Encinitas is where you’re meant to be–contact Linda Moore, with over three decades of experience guiding buyers and sellers to the perfect home in Encinitas!