F
136%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
417%
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 El Segundo California National
Cost of living236141100
Groceries111111100
Health care115116100
Housing517197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment119120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare128127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in El Segundo, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in El Segundo? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in El Segundo stands at 236, making it 136% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, El Segundo may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, El Segundo falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the El Segundo 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 416.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as 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 El Segundo, you can expect to pay 10.5% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

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 El Segundo, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 10.5% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in El Segundo?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in El Segundo to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 20% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 80% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is El Segundo Affordable?

Wondering if El Segundo 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 El Segundo, for example, the median home price is 547.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 113% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with El Segundo boasting a median household income of $171,416, which is 110.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in El Segundo?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In El Segundo, the utilities index stands at 16.2% higher than the national average.

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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo is 68% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in El Segundo is 136% higher than the national average
  • El Segundo housing is 417% 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 El Segundo

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Compare El Segundo, CA Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$212,024$17,669$4,947$6,361
      Renters$143,742$11,979$3,354$4,313
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in El Segundo, 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 El Segundo have a median income of $212,024. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,947 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $143,742, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $3,354.

      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.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      El Segundo, CA16,972236136.2%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Edmundston, NB16,970n/a 
      McKinleyville, CA16,97912727.0%
      Artesia, CA16,95716666.2%
      Streetsboro, OH16,956945.6%
      Wahiawa, HI16,98916564.9%
      El Segundo, CA16,972236136.2%
      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.