F
54%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
142%
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 Chino California National
Cost of living154141100
Groceries112111100
Health care116116100
Housing242197100
Transportation115118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items112111100
Education & Childcare132127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Chino, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Chino can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Chino cost of living index is 154, which is 54% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

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

Housing costs are a major factor in the Chino 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 141.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as 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 Chino, you can expect to spend 11.6% 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 Chino is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 11.7% higher than the national average.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Chino. The feedback revealed that 57% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 43% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Chino Affordable?

Is Chino 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 Chino is 168.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 79.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Chino has a median household income of $130,099, which is 60% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chino?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Chino starts at 7.25% and the income tax rates start at 1%.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Chino, the housing index stands at 141.6% higher than the national average.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The Chino 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 Chino is 10% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Chino is 54% higher than the national average
  • Chino housing is 142% 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 Chino

See all the best places to live around Chino

Compare Chino, 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$153,453$12,788$3,580$4,604
      Renters$85,784$7,149$2,001$2,574
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Chino, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Chino, the median monthly income is $153,453 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,580 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $85,784, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,001 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      El Sobrante CDP (Contra Costa County), CA13,22813635.8%
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Fontana, CA220,41214141.4%
      Home Gardens, CA12,49214140.9%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      Chino, CA91,54015454.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Pleasant, SC91,52714040.4%
      Norwalk, CT91,48514242.4%
      Maple Ridge, BC91,475n/a 
      Nashua, NH91,47111616.5%
      Fall River, MA91,43711919.1%
      Chino, CA91,54015454.2%
      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.