D+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Brawley California National
Cost of living112141100
Groceries110111100
Health care113116100
Housing109197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities114119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brawley, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Brawley 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 Brawley stands at 112, marking it 12% higher than the national average.

Is Brawley Affordable?

Is Brawley 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 Brawley, the median home price is 17.8% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 12.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Brawley come in at $67,712, which is 16.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brawley?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Brawley, the groceries index registers 9.7% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Brawley, the utilities index stands at 13.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Brawley shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brawley is 20% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Brawley is 12% higher than the national average
  • Brawley housing is 9% 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 Brawley

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Compare Brawley, 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$112,669$9,389$2,629$3,380
      Renters$37,549$3,129$876$1,127
      The affordability of the housing market in Brawley, 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 Brawley homeowners, the median income is $112,669. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,629 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $37,549. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $876 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.
      Westmorland, CA2,7881021.7%
      Calipatria, CA7,5031033.0%
      Seeley, CA1,9111065.8%
      El Centro, CA45,03711111.3%
      Holtville, CA6,34411111.5%
      Brawley, CA26,69111212.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Milford, MA26,68512828.5%
      Mauldin, SC26,6991000.4%
      Owatonna, MN26,702982.5%
      West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA26,70414948.5%
      Madison, MS26,67511111.4%
      Brawley, CA26,69111212.0%
      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.