| Index | Barstow | California | National |
| Cost of living | 104 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 112 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 115 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 76 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 119 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 120 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 121 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 123 | 127 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Barstow 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 Barstow cost of living index is 104, which is 4% 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.
The cost of living in Barstow aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Barstow residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Barstow, you can expect to pay 11.2% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.
The surge in grocery costs is indeed alarming, especially when groceries make up a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Over the past two years, there has been an inflation of over 10% in grocery prices. Unfortunately, Barstow does not fare better, with grocery expenses coming in at 11.5% higher than the national average.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 11 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Barstow. The feedback revealed that 45% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 55% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Barstow 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 Barstow, for example, the median home price is 27.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 16.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Barstow boasting a median household income of $63,618, which is 21.8% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Barstow comes in at 20% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Barstow, healthcare costs are 15.1% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Barstow are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $97,071 | $8,089 | $2,265 | $2,912 |
| Renters | $45,822 | $3,819 | $1,069 | $1,375 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lenwood, CA | 4,605 | 104 | 4.2% |
| Barstow, CA | 24,173 | 104 | 4.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Wilmington, MA | 24,176 | 155 | 55.2% |
| West Melbourne, FL | 24,188 | 114 | 14.0% |
| Benbrook, TX | 24,155 | 104 | 3.9% |
| Kerrville, TX | 24,145 | 104 | 3.8% |
| Loves Park, IL | 24,142 | 90 | 9.8% |
| Barstow, CA | 24,173 | 104 | 4.4% |
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