F
54%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
150%
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 Duarte California National
Cost of living154141100
Groceries108111100
Health care113116100
Housing250197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities119119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Duarte, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Duarte 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 Duarte is 154, which is 54% 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 Duarte 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, Duarte falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Duarte, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 149.6% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Duarte Affordable?

Is Duarte affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Duarte, for instance, where the median home price falls 182.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 72.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Duarte flaunting a median household income of $122,773, 51% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Duarte?

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 Duarte, the standard sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 1%.

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.

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 Duarte, the transportation index is 13.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Duarte are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Duarte is 10% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Duarte is 54% higher than the national average
  • Duarte housing is 150% 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 Duarte

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Compare Duarte, 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$146,333$12,194$3,414$4,390
      Renters$79,231$6,603$1,849$2,377
      The affordability of the housing market in Duarte, 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 Duarte homeowners, the median income is $146,333. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,414 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $79,231. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,849 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Bell Gardens, CA42,82713939.0%
      Maywood, CA27,79814040.2%
      Duarte, CA22,16915454.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kapolei, HI22,17517372.6%
      Anniston, AL22,1788713.0%
      Ensley, FL22,158964.4%
      St. Andrews, SC22,1888910.7%
      Hamtramck, MI22,1998416.2%
      Duarte, CA22,16915454.5%
      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.