Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cardiff, CA
Considering a move to Cardiff, CA? This laid-back coastal community of 11,537 residents boasts a median home value of $1,650,000 and an average rent of $3,500, reflecting its premium beachside real estate. Cardiff offers sunny weather 73% of the year, low violent crime (125 per 100K), and quick commutes averaging just 26 minutes. With highly rated schools, high educational attainment (61.7% bachelor's or higher), and close proximity to quality healthcare, Cardiff is ideal for those seeking an upscale, relaxed lifestyle by the ocean.
Demographics - Cardiff, CA
Demographics - Cardiff, CA
Cardiff, CA is a close-knit coastal community of 11,537 residents, predominantly White (79.7%) with a median age of 41.2, reflecting a mature and diverse population. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a notable share of non-English speakers at 14.6%, creating a vibrant local culture.
Population:
11,537
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
79.7%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cardiff, CA?
Living in Cardiff comes with a high cost of living, as indicated by a cost of living index of 183.1, with a median home value of $1,650,000 and average rent at $3,500. Residents should expect higher-than-average expenses for housing and essentials, consistent with its premium coastal location.
Median House Value:
$1,650,000
Gross Rent:
$3,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,120
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
183.1
Grocery:
119.5
Housing:
301.2
Utilities:
109.2
Transportation:
137.3
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Cardiff, CA a safe place to live?
Cardiff is a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 125 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 800 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but still moderate, making the city generally secure for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
125
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,240
Crime Index:
1,365
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 81
Weather
What is the weather like in Cardiff, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F in winter to 76°F in summer. Cardiff boasts 73% sunny days annually and receives about 11.8 inches of rain, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Cardiff’s residents benefit from high household incomes, with a median household income of $136,100 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 62% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and enjoys low unemployment and short commute times.
Median Income:
$57,000
Household Income:
$136,100
Family Income:
$165,000
Per Capita Income:
$73,000
Income Male:
$74,500
Income Female:
$59,900
Poverty Rate:
5.3%
Non English Speakers:
14.6%
Rent:
$3,500
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
61.7%
Education
How are the schools in Cardiff, CA?
Cardiff features highly regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to reputable private schools. Nearby colleges like MiraCosta College and UC San Diego offer diverse higher education options within a short drive, supporting lifelong learning and academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Cardiff Elementary School
Street:
1888 Montgomery Ave
Phone:
760-632-5892
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Name:
Ada Harris Elementary School
Street:
1508 Windsor Rd
Phone:
760-632-5894
Students:
425
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1

Private Schools
Name:
The Grauer School
Street:
1500 S El Camino Real, Encinitas
Phone:
760-944-6777
Students:
170

Colleges
Name:
MiraCosta College
City:
Oceanside
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
14,500
Name:
UC San Diego
City:
La Jolla
State:
CA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
39,576
Healthcare
Cardiff offers excellent healthcare access, with Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people. Over 93% of residents have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive care is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
Address:
354 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone:
(760) 633-6501
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cardiff, CA?
The Cardiff housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,650,000 and a home appreciation rate of 7.2% over the past year. Most residents own their homes, and rental vacancies remain low, reflecting strong demand in this desirable coastal area.
Median Home Price:
$1,650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Cardiff are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in San Marcos. The DMV provides full licensing and registration services, making it convenient for drivers to manage their needs locally.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
590 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.