A-
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
15%
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 Blythe California National
Cost of living97141100
Groceries100111100
Health care103116100
Housing85197100
Transportation103118100
Utilities113119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98120100
Household Items104111100
Education & Childcare99127100
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 Blythe, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Blythe 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 Blythe stands at 97, marking it 3% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Blythe closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Blythe can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Blythe?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 6 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Blythe. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 50% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 50% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Blythe Affordable?

Is Blythe 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 Blythe is 12.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 19.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Blythe has a median household income of $66,727, which is 18% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Blythe?

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 Blythe, the groceries index is 0% equal to 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 Blythe, healthcare costs are 2.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Blythe cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Blythe is 31% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Blythe is 3% lower than the national average
  • Blythe housing is 15% lower 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 Blythe

See all the best places to live around Blythe

Compare Blythe, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Blythe?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Blythe?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Blythe 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$83,559$6,963$1,950$2,507
      Renters$41,578$3,465$970$1,247
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Blythe 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. Blythe has a median income of about $83,559 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,950 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,578. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $970 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.
      Palo Verde, CA801044.0%
      Mesa Verde, CA7818119.1%
      Ehrenberg, AZ1,037955.3%
      Ripley, CA475981.9%
      Blythe, CA20,378972.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mililani Mauka, HI20,37019494.4%
      Bartow, FL20,388981.8%
      Niskayuna, NY20,35812222.0%
      Saco, ME20,35611615.9%
      Belle Glade, FL20,401937.3%
      Blythe, CA20,378972.7%
      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.