F
42%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
109%
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 Bell California National
Cost of living142141100
Groceries107111100
Health care115116100
Housing209197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare120127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Bell, CA

The cost of living in Bell affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Bell is 142, which is 42% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

Housing costs are a major factor in the Bell cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 109.1% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Everyday household expenses like cleaning products, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics can quickly add up over time and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Bell, you can expect to spend 10.9% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.

Is Bell Affordable?

Is Bell 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 Bell is 144.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 27.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bell has a median household income of $69,817, which is 14.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bell?

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 Bell, the utilities index registers at 16.3% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Bell, the transportation index is 13.3% 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 Bell, the housing index is 109.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bell 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 Bell is 1% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Bell is 42% higher than the national average
  • Bell housing is 109% 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 Bell

See all the best places to live around Bell

Compare Bell, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Bell?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Bell?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Bell poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$117,744$9,812$2,747$3,533
      Renters$57,905$4,825$1,351$1,737
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Bell 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. Bell has a median income of about $117,744 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,747 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $57,905. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,351 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%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      Bell, CA36,11314242.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lebanon, TN36,1261098.6%
      Westmont, CA36,08814443.8%
      Monroe, NC36,140991.4%
      Gadsden, AL36,1468218.3%
      Post Falls, ID36,17111110.6%
      Bell, CA36,11314242.4%
      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.