Cost of Living in Big Bear Lake, CA

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F
39%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
88%
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 Big Bear Lake California National
Cost of living139141100
Groceries113111100
Health care113116100
Housing188197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114120100
Household Items112111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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Homes For Sale In Big Bear Lake, CA

property for sale

547 Alden Rd Unit RV9

Big Bear Lake, CA
property for sale

769 Lowe Dr

Big Bear Lake, CA
property for sale

551 Conklin Rd

Big Bear Lake, CA
property for sale

723 Fir St

Big Bear Lake, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Big Bear Lake is 2% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Big Bear Lake is 39% higher than the national average
  • Big Bear Lake housing is 88% 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 Big Bear Lake

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      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$117,006$9,751$2,730$3,511
      Renters$53,831$4,486$1,256$1,615
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Big Bear Lake, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Big Bear Lake, homeowners have a median income of $117,006. Using that number, a maximum of $2,730 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $53,831, which means there is a maximum of $1,256 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Lucerne Valley, CA5,8371098.8%
      Running Springs, CA4,50912323.4%
      Big Bear City, CA12,93412626.1%
      Mentone, CA10,47112827.5%
      Yucaipa, CA56,12613434.3%
      Big Bear Lake, CA5,51313938.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Osoyoos, BC5,513n/a 
      Red Oak, IA5,5128317.1%
      Pennside, PA5,512991.5%
      Glenwood, IA5,514937.2%
      Carlisle, OH5,515928.2%
      Big Bear Lake, CA5,51313938.6%
      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.
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