F
65%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
178%
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 Folsom California National
Cost of living165141100
Groceries110111100
Health care117116100
Housing278197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare130127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Folsom, CA

The cost of living in Folsom 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 Folsom is 165, which is 65% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Folsom may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Folsom falls within this bracket.

Housing costs significantly influence the Folsom cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 178.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Folsom Affordable?

Is Folsom 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 Folsom, the median home price is 216% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 90.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Folsom come in at $173,212, which is 113% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Folsom?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Folsom, healthcare costs are 17% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Folsom cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Folsom is 17% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Folsom is 65% higher than the national average
  • Folsom housing is 178% 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 Folsom

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Compare Folsom, 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$210,926$17,577$4,921$6,328
      Renters$106,978$8,915$2,496$3,210
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Folsom, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Folsom, homeowners have a median income of $210,926. Using that number, a maximum of $4,921 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $106,978, which means there is a maximum of $2,496 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Cold Springs CDP (Tuolumne County), CA12811413.8%
      Cold Springs, CA698954.9%
      McClellan Park, CA87011716.6%
      North Highlands, CA50,17211918.7%
      Florin, CA50,63112222.4%
      Folsom, CA82,38916565.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Springdale, AR82,462909.8%
      Alameda, CA82,498206106.1%
      Mountain View, CA82,261285184.5%
      Caledon, ON82,130n/a 
      Prince George, BC82,094n/a 
      Folsom, CA82,38916565.3%
      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.