F
41%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
104%
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 Cudahy California National
Cost of living141141100
Groceries107111100
Health care115116100
Housing204197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare120127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cudahy, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Cudahy is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Cudahy is 141, which is 41% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

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 Cudahy 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, Cudahy falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Cudahy 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 104.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Cudahy, you can expect to pay 10.9% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

Is Cudahy Affordable?

Is Cudahy 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 Cudahy, the median home price is 130.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 43.3% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Cudahy come in at $68,993, which is 15.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cudahy?

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.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Cudahy comes in at 16.3% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Cudahy, the transportation index is 13.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Cudahy 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 Cudahy is equal to the California average
  • The cost of living in Cudahy is 41% higher than the national average
  • Cudahy housing is 104% 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 Cudahy

See all the best places to live around Cudahy

Compare Cudahy, 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$95,200$7,933$2,221$2,856
      Renters$64,471$5,373$1,504$1,934
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cudahy, 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 Cudahy have a median income of $95,200. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,221 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $64,471, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,504.

      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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Cudahy, CA24,23314140.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tumwater, WA24,23512626.3%
      Monsey, NY24,23616969.1%
      South Elgin, IL24,22611212.0%
      Pelham, AL24,2231010.7%
      Bailey's Crossroads, VA24,24613635.6%
      Cudahy, CA24,23314140.9%
      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.