Home Values in El Cajon, California — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +4% YoY
The median home value in El Cajon, California is $625,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in El Cajon have increased by 4% over the past year and 21.7% over the last five years. With a population of 106,215 and a median household income of $52,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 12.0x, making El Cajon affordable for the average household.
El Cajon Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | El Cajon | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $625,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +4% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +21.7% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $543 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 52 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 2.3 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 101.3% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 75 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.24% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in El Cajon
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $513,558 five years ago in El Cajon would have gained approximately $111,442 in equity, representing a 21.7% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $24,038 in home equity.
Affordability in El Cajon, CA
With a median household income of $52,250 and a median home price of $625,000, the price-to-income ratio in El Cajon is 12.0x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $4,538 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $3,364 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.74. In El Cajon, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in El Cajon
The effective property tax rate in California is 0.76%. On a home valued at $625,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $4,750, or approximately $396/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in El Cajon is 118.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in El Cajon, CA?
The median home value in El Cajon, California is $625,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +4% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 21.7%.
Is El Cajon a buyer's or seller's market?
El Cajon is currently a seller's market with 2.3 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 52 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 101.3%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in El Cajon?
Yes, home values in El Cajon have increased by 4% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 21.7%, meaning a home worth $513,558 five years ago is now worth $625,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in El Cajon?
The average monthly rent in El Cajon is $4,538, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $3,364. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.5. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for El Cajon, California is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.