F
108%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
327%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Culver City California National
Cost of living208141100
Groceries111111100
Health care113116100
Housing427197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities115119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare127127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Culver City, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Culver 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 Culver City stands at 208, marking it 108% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Culver City may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Culver City falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Culver City cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 327% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Culver City, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 10.7% higher than the national average.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 13 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Culver City and this is how they responded. 15% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 85% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Culver City Affordable?

Wondering if Culver City is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Culver City, for example, the median home price is 416.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 118.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Culver City boasting a median household income of $146,007, which is 79.5% higher than the national average.

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

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Culver City, the utilities index stands at 15.3% higher than the national average.

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 Culver City, the transportation index is 12.8% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Culver City, healthcare costs are 12.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Culver City cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Culver City is 48% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Culver City is 108% higher than the national average
  • Culver City housing is 327% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Culver City

See all the best places to live around Culver City

Compare Culver City, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$180,883$15,074$4,220$5,427
      Renters$119,710$9,976$2,793$3,592
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Culver City, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Culver City homeowners, is $180,883. This would allow for a maximum of $4,220 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $119,710 which would result in a maximum of $2,793 to be spent on rental costs.

      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% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Culver City, CA40,188208107.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Warren, OH40,2338118.9%
      French Valley, CA40,08015252.3%
      Lake Oswego, OR40,33516564.7%
      Mission Bend, TX40,0151011.2%
      South Valley, NM40,361937.2%
      Culver City, CA40,188208107.9%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.