F
58%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
157%
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 Covina California National
Cost of living158141100
Groceries112111100
Health care113116100
Housing257197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Covina, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Covina 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 Covina stands at 158, marking it 58% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Covina is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Covina falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Covina 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 156.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The surge in grocery costs is indeed alarming, especially when groceries make up a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Over the past two years, there has been an inflation of over 10% in grocery prices. Unfortunately, Covina does not fare better, with grocery expenses coming in at 11.6% higher than the national average.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 33 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Covina. The feedback revealed that 82% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 18% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Covina Affordable?

Wondering if Covina is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Covina, for example, the median home price is 195.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 66.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Covina boasting a median household income of $116,968, which is 43.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Covina?

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.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Covina, the standard sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 1%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Covina 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 Covina is 12% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Covina is 58% higher than the national average
  • Covina housing is 157% 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 Covina

See all the best places to live around Covina

Compare Covina, 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$146,642$12,220$3,421$4,400
      Renters$84,632$7,053$1,975$2,539
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Covina, 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 Covina, the median monthly income is $146,642 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,421 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $84,632, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,975 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.
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Ontario, CA185,25014343.4%
      Pomona, CA156,85314545.3%
      Covina, CA49,33815857.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Roswell, NM49,3578910.8%
      Sheboygan, WI49,2949010.4%
      Jeffersonville, IN49,450937.0%
      Wauwatosa, WI49,4501087.5%
      Ceres, CA49,47212525.4%
      Covina, CA49,33815857.5%
      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.