F
49%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
125%
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 Auburn California National
Cost of living149141100
Groceries113111100
Health care115116100
Housing225197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items112111100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Auburn is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Auburn is 149, which is 49% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Auburn 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, Auburn falls within this bracket.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Auburn, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 125.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, 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 Auburn, household essentials are 11.9% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

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, Auburn is no exception, where grocery prices are 13.4% above the national average.

Is Auburn Affordable?

Is Auburn an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Auburn is 169.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Auburn has a median household income of $98,964, which is 21.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Auburn, the standard sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 1%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Auburn, healthcare costs are 14.6% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Auburn 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 Auburn is 6% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Auburn is 49% higher than the national average
  • Auburn housing is 125% 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 Auburn

See all the best places to live around Auburn

Compare Auburn, 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$143,155$11,930$3,340$4,295
      Renters$55,864$4,655$1,303$1,676
      The affordability of the housing market in Auburn, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Auburn homeowners, the median income is $143,155. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,340 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $55,864. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,303 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Cold Springs CDP (Tuolumne County), CA12811413.8%
      Cold Springs, CA698954.9%
      Colfax, CA2,30312323.2%
      Sheridan, CA1,14312423.7%
      Foothill Farms, CA36,97712424.1%
      Auburn, CA14,42814948.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Red Bluff, CA14,43211313.0%
      Youngsville, LA14,4391076.5%
      Wixom, MI14,4391043.6%
      Athens, TN14,414937.1%
      Oak Park, CA14,446201100.7%
      Auburn, CA14,42814948.8%
      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.