F
67%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
181%
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 Anaheim California National
Cost of living167141100
Groceries111111100
Health care118116100
Housing281197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare136127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Anaheim, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Anaheim? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Anaheim stands at 167, making it 67% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Anaheim is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Anaheim falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Anaheim, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 180.7% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Anaheim, household essentials are 10.8% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

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 Anaheim, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 11% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Anaheim?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 25 residents in Anaheim to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 32% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 68% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Anaheim Affordable?

Is Anaheim affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Anaheim, for instance, where the median home price falls 224.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 78.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Anaheim flaunting a median household income of $116,044, 42.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Anaheim?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Anaheim, the transportation index is 20% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Anaheim, the housing index is 180.7% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Anaheim, the groceries index registers 11% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Anaheim cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Anaheim is 19% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Anaheim is 67% higher than the national average
  • Anaheim housing is 181% 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 Anaheim

See all the best places to live around Anaheim

Compare Anaheim, 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$168,530$14,044$3,932$5,056
      Renters$85,794$7,150$2,002$2,574
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Anaheim, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Anaheim, the median monthly income is $168,530 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,932 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $85,794, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,002 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Bell Gardens, CA42,82713939.0%
      Paramount, CA55,17514140.7%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Anaheim, CA361,29516767.4%

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      Markham, ON359,111n/a 
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      Corpus Christi, TX338,491982.3%
      Riverside, CA334,32414040.4%
      Anaheim, CA361,29516767.4%
      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.