F
27%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Colton California National
Cost of living127141100
Groceries113111100
Health care115116100
Housing152197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Colton, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Colton 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 Colton cost of living index is 127, which is 27% 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, Colton 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, Colton falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Colton, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 51.9% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Colton, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.3% higher than the national average.

Is Colton Affordable?

Is Colton 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 Colton is 62.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 28.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Colton has a median household income of $83,361, which is 2.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Colton?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Colton, the transportation index stands at 16.7% higher than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Colton, the housing index comes in at 51.9% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Colton 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 Colton is 10% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Colton is 27% higher than the national average
  • Colton housing is 52% 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 Colton

See all the best places to live around Colton

Compare Colton, 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$110,792$9,233$2,585$3,324
      Renters$62,466$5,206$1,457$1,874
      The affordability of the housing market in Colton, 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 Colton homeowners, the median income is $110,792. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,585 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $62,466. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,457 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.
      San Bernardino, CA221,91012423.5%
      Crestline, CA9,72312323.0%
      Running Springs, CA4,50912323.4%
      Muscoy, CA11,80912626.0%
      Mentone, CA10,47112827.5%
      Colton, CA55,95612727.0%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Prospect, IL55,99611919.3%
      Tigard, OR55,91013535.1%
      Westchester, FL55,88312525.2%
      Brookhaven, GA55,87414443.6%
      Aloha, OR55,86512626.4%
      Colton, CA55,95612727.0%
      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.