C+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index California City California National
Cost of living107140100
Goods & Services105111100
Groceries107112100
Health care93109100
Housing90196100
Transportation127126100
Utilities157127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in California City, CA

Knowing the cost of living in California City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in California City stands at 107, marking it 7% higher than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in California City are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of California City can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in California City?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 10 locals to get their views on the cost of living in California City. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 80% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 20% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is California City Affordable?

Is California City affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in California City, the median home price is 12.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 3.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with California City boasting a median household income of $47,575, 14% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in California City?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In California City, the transportation index is 27.2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In California City, the utilities index registers at 56.6% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The California City cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in California City is 23% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in California City is 7% higher than the national average
  • California City housing is 10% lower than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around California City

See all the best places to live around California City

Compare California City, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$63,365$5,280$1,478$1,901
      Renters$25,720$2,143$600$772
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in California City, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In California City, homeowners have a median income of $63,365. Using that number, a maximum of $1,478 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $25,720, which means there is a maximum of $600 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 12.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.25$24.268.2%
      Beauty Salon $89.33$45.5696.1%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.48$1.2815.6%
      Movie $18.12$12.1349.4%
      Bowling $22.67$18.0025.9%

      Groceries

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.77$5.841.1%
      Fried Chicken $2.63$1.5767.0%
      Milk $4.91$4.675.0%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.6%
      Pizza $13.49$12.0911.6%
      Beer $11.13$10.416.9%

      Health Care

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $142.20$125.6813.1%
      Doctor $131.33$135.783.3%
      Dentist $131.50$113.2916.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.78$10.6510.6%
      Lipitor $508.17$468.608.4%

      Housing

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $161,200.00$184,700.0012.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $5,847.37$2,346.69149.2%
      Apartment Rent $915.00$949.003.6%

      Transportation

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.62$3.4633.6%
      Tire Balancing $61.00$59.921.8%

      Utilities

      Item California City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $231.40$193.9919.3%
      Phone $193.81$192.250.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Edwards, CA906955.0%
      Mojave, CA3,7801021.7%
      Edwards AFB, CA2,67613737.3%
      California City, CA14,0011077.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Guelph/Eramosa, ON13,999n/a 
      Bayou Blue, LA13,997928.4%
      East Wenatchee, WA14,01211919.0%
      Oak Park, CA13,98719797.5%
      Circleville, OH13,9868811.8%
      California City, CA14,0011077.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.