F
139%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
418%
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 Calabasas California National
Cost of living239141100
Groceries112111100
Health care120116100
Housing518197100
Transportation123118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment125120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Calabasas, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Calabasas 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 Calabasas stands at 239, marking it 139% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Calabasas is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Calabasas falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Calabasas cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 418.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, 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 Calabasas, you can expect to spend 10.2% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Calabasas is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 11.5% higher than the national average.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 29 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Calabasas. The feedback revealed that 31% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 69% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Calabasas Affordable?

Is Calabasas 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 Calabasas, the median home price is 528.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 161.4% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Calabasas come in at $202,738, which is 149.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Calabasas?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Calabasas, the transportation index is 22.5% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Calabasas, the healthcare costs are 19.8% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Calabasas, the groceries index is 11.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Calabasas 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 Calabasas is 69% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Calabasas is 139% higher than the national average
  • Calabasas housing is 418% 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 Calabasas

See all the best places to live around Calabasas

Compare Calabasas, 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$264,545$22,045$6,172$7,937
      Renters$113,319$9,443$2,644$3,400
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Calabasas, CA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Calabasas have a median income of $264,545. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $6,172 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $113,319, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,644.

      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%

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      Calabasas, CA24,363239138.6%

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      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.