F
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Exeter California National
Cost of living118141100
Groceries110111100
Health care117116100
Housing117197100
Transportation121118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment122120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare134127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Exeter, CA

The cost of living in Exeter affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Exeter is 118, which is 18% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday household expenses like cleaning products, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics can quickly add up over time and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Exeter, you can expect to spend 10.7% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.

Is Exeter Affordable?

Is Exeter affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Exeter, the median home price is 23.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 0% equal to the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Exeter boasting a median household income of $71,363, 12.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Exeter?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Exeter, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Exeter, the transportation index is 21.4% higher than the national average.

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 Exeter comes in at 19.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Exeter 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 Exeter is 16% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Exeter is 18% higher than the national average
  • Exeter housing is 17% 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 Exeter

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Compare Exeter, 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$99,021$8,252$2,310$2,971
      Renters$47,283$3,940$1,103$1,419
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Exeter, 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 Exeter have a median income of $99,021. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,310 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $47,283, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,103.

      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.
      Monson, CA21511818.1%
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      El Rancho, CA011616.0%
      Plainview, CA634963.7%
      Linnell Camp, CA854991.4%
      Exeter, CA10,75211817.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Frederick, CO10,75013434.0%
      Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, GA10,750919.3%
      Silverton, OR10,75012221.8%
      Vernal, UT10,7541010.7%
      Waterloo, IL10,746982.2%
      Exeter, CA10,75211817.7%
      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.