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Cost of Living in
California

  • List2
    Rank #38
    Info
    To compile our rankings, we analyzed the factors associated with living costs like housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
  • List2
    Living cost is 38% higher than avg
  • List2
    Families spend upto $12,188/mo on avg
  • List2
    Homeowners spend $12,041/mo on avg
  • List2
    Renters spend $6,524/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
California

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California is the #38 Most Expensive City in the U.S.

U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Home Price
$358,401
$1,100,739.82
graph trend 207%
Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$2,535.47
graph trend 85%
U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$192.02
graph trend 12%
Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$345.63
graph trend 73%
U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$6.99
graph trend 3%
Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.63
graph trend 9%
Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$4.34
graph trend 10%
Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$9.76
graph trend 58%
Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$22.18
graph trend 14%
Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.71
graph trend 5%
Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$2.22
graph trend 21%
Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.63
graph trend 21%
Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.74
graph trend 22%
Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$2.38
graph trend 45%
Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$2.58
graph trend 51%
Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$17.29
graph trend 19%
Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.73
graph trend 10%
Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$8.41
graph trend 2%
Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$3.26
graph trend 6%
Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.81
graph trend 13%
Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$7.66
graph trend 17%
Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$5.37
graph trend 3%
Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.4
$3.2
graph trend 27%
Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.23
graph trend 13%
Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.83
graph trend 30%
Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$5.93
graph trend 6%
Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$5.61
graph trend 20%
Margarine (per lb)
$1.3
$1.63
graph trend 26%
Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.82
graph trend 21%
Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$5.22
graph trend 28%
Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.51
graph trend 23%
U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$72.86
graph trend 4%
Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$4.33
graph trend 49%
U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$153.06
graph trend 32%
Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$140.31
graph trend 3%
Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$13.34
graph trend 8%
Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$21.18
graph trend 2%
Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$155.48
graph trend 63%
U.S. Avg.
California
Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$42.38
graph trend 20%
Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$34.56
graph trend 17%
Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$44.28
graph trend 13%
Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$11.32
graph trend 51%
Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$11.12
graph trend 0%
Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$80.92
graph trend 24%
Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$4.31
graph trend 20%
Yoga (per class)
$12
$24.05
graph trend 100%
Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$15.56
graph trend 33%
Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$13.09
graph trend 32%
Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$94.6
graph trend 14%
Women Slacks
$34.88
$42.02
graph trend 20%
Boy Jeans
$29.51
$32.53
graph trend 10%
Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$43.29
graph trend 11%
Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$21.78
graph trend 62%
Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.95
graph trend 26%
Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$4.5
graph trend 24%
Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$70.24
graph trend 48%
Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$30.23
graph trend 12%
Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$5.8
graph trend 33%
Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$16.61
graph trend 39%
Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$6.59
graph trend 25%
From the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley to the star-studded streets of Hollywood, the average cost of living in California is 38% higher than the national average. The state's magnetic pull stems from year-round sunshine, Pacific beaches, and career opportunities at industry giants like Apple, Google, Disney, and Warner Bros. This perfect storm of desirability drives the living cost to stratospheric levels across the Golden State.
  • Housing is 107% higher than the national average. The average home cost in California ranges from $800,000 to $850,000, which is more than double the national median of $1,100,739.82. If you're buying a new house in California, plan to put down 15–20% of the home price upfront as a down payment. Your monthly mortgage payments in California can reach $5,900 or higher, about twice the typical American monthly mortgage payment.
    Renting in California is 85.48% higher than the national average. The average rent in California is $2,535.47 per month on average, significantly above the national average of $1,645. A one-bedroom home in San Francisco costs $3,500 monthly, while a one-bedroom home in Los Angeles averages $2,800. Despite the premium pricing, many rentals in the state offer limited space, and rarely include parking.
  • Utilities are 30% higher the national average. PG&E electricity bills have jumped 70% since 2020, averaging $345.63 monthly compared to $125 in 2020. California's renewable energy investments and wildfire mitigation costs drive rates to 44.8¢ per kWh—among America's highest. HOA fees range from $200 to $800 monthly, depending on location and amenities.
  • Food prices in California are 13% higher than the US median. A gallon of milk costs $5.22, compared to $4.07 nationally, or $3.92 in Texas. If you're a family of four, expect to spend $1,400 to $1,800 monthly for groceries in California. Single adults might spend $450 to $650 monthly, based on your dietary preferences and shopping habits.
  • Healthcare costs in California are 8.22% higher than the national average. A routine check-up costs $165, compared to $142 nationally, or $135 in neighboring Arizona. Emergency room visits without insurance can exceed $3,500. However, California's extensive healthcare network provides access to world-class medical facilities, like Stanford Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, and Cedars-Sinai.
  • Miscellaneous expenses are 13.51% higher than the national average. This includes fitness memberships ($120 to $200 monthly), entertainment at theme parks like Disneyland ($100+ a day), and personal care services. Beach access remains free, but resort-style living comes at premium pricing.

Moving to California? Be ready to pay more. But hey, the sunshine and coastal views are free—just make sure your paycheck can handle everything else! 👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in California

Is Living in California Too Expensive?

Yes, California is extremely expensive to live in. Average living expenses in California are 38% higher than the national average, which makes the state among America's costliest. Housing costs drive much of the expense, sitting 107% higher the US median.
With a budget of 1,100,739.82, you'll get a modest three-bedroom home in Palo Alto with no yard. The same amount buys a house with a backyard in Georgia or North Carolina. Moreover, California's premium extends beyond housing to utilities, transportation, and everyday services.

Housing in California

+
Housing in the Golden State, one of the most expensive markets in the country, is 107% higher than the US average. Mortgage rates typically range from 5.80% to 6.40%, and monthly HOA fees can add another $200 to $800—pushing monthly payments well beyond most budgets. If you're buying a home in California, you also need to be prepared for hidden costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Utilities in California

+

Food and Groceries in California

+

Transportation in California

+

Healthcare in California

+

Miscellaneous Costs in California

+

What Salary Do You Need to Live in California

The average household income in California is 38% higher, though Silicon Valley and coastal areas require significantly higher earnings. Tech industry salaries and entertainment industry compensation may help offset the living cost in California.
  • Homeowners spend $144,495 per annum: This includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Homeowners in coastal or high-demand areas pay even more due to high real estate values and maintenance costs.
  • Renters spend $78,293per annum: Monthly rent often exceeds $2,535.47 in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Add in utilities, internet, food, and commuting, and renters face steep annual expenses, especially in urban neighborhoods.
  • Families with kids spend $12,188 per annum: Childcare, school costs, and larger housing needs push annual spending significantly higher. Families in top school districts or opting for private education face greater financial demands.

Is California Too Expensive? Find Homes in California as Per Your Budget

What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a California cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this state or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine California's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Mar 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

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