F
51%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
131%
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 Bellflower California National
Cost of living151141100
Groceries113111100
Health care115116100
Housing231197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment119120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare123127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bellflower, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Bellflower allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Bellflower stands at 151, marking it 51% higher than the national average.

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

Housing costs are a major factor in the Bellflower 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 131% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

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 Bellflower, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.1% higher than the national average.

Is Bellflower Affordable?

Is Bellflower an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Bellflower, the median home price is 166.8% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 47.4% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Bellflower come in at $95,629, which is 17.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bellflower?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Bellflower, the groceries index is 13.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Bellflower, the housing index comes in at 131% 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.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Bellflower 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bellflower is 7% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Bellflower is 51% higher than the national average
  • Bellflower housing is 131% 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 Bellflower

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Compare Bellflower, 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$135,116$11,260$3,152$4,054
      Renters$76,511$6,376$1,785$2,296
      The affordability of the housing market in Bellflower, 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 Bellflower homeowners, the median income is $135,116. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,152 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $76,511. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,785 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Bellflower, CA78,04115150.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Iowa City, IA77,9901022.2%
      Arlington Heights, IL77,99012424.1%
      Wyoming, MI78,208927.7%
      Carmichael, CA77,82414039.9%
      Baldwin Park, CA78,28514545.3%
      Bellflower, CA78,04115150.6%
      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.