F
125%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
380%
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 Arcadia California National
Cost of living225141100
Groceries110111100
Health care114116100
Housing480197100
Transportation119118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Arcadia, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Arcadia can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Arcadia cost of living index is 225, which is 125% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Arcadia may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Arcadia falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Arcadia, 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 380% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Arcadia, these items cost 11% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Arcadia is no exception, where grocery prices are 10.2% above the national average.

Is Arcadia Affordable?

Wondering if Arcadia 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 Arcadia, for example, the median home price is 509.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 78% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Arcadia boasting a median household income of $141,633, which is 74.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Arcadia?

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 Arcadia, the utilities index registers at 22% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Arcadia, the housing index is 380% higher than the national average.

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 Arcadia, the transportation index is 19.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Arcadia cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Arcadia is 60% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Arcadia is 125% higher than the national average
  • Arcadia housing is 380% 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 Arcadia

See all the best places to live around Arcadia

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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$183,307$15,276$4,277$5,500
      Renters$92,463$7,705$2,157$2,774
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Arcadia is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Arcadia has a median income of about $183,307 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,277 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $92,463. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,157 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Arcadia, CA59,066225125.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bonita Springs, FL59,03112121.0%
      Richland, WA58,94112019.7%
      St. Peters, MO59,202991.4%
      Hanford, CA58,80711817.5%
      Weymouth Town, MA59,40313938.8%
      Arcadia, CA59,066225125.0%
      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.