F
81%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
233%
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 Gilroy California National
Cost of living181141100
Groceries110111100
Health care117116100
Housing333197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items113111100
Education & Childcare125127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Gilroy, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Gilroy allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Gilroy stands at 181, marking it 81% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Gilroy is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Gilroy falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Gilroy 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 232.8% 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 Gilroy, you can expect to pay 12.5% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

Is Gilroy Affordable?

Is Gilroy 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 Gilroy, the median home price is 290.3% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 98.6% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Gilroy come in at $163,102, which is 100.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gilroy?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Gilroy, the groceries index registers 9.6% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Gilroy, the healthcare costs are 17.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Gilroy 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 Gilroy is 29% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Gilroy is 81% higher than the national average
  • Gilroy housing is 233% 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 Gilroy

See all the best places to live around Gilroy

Compare Gilroy, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Gilroy?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Gilroy?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Gilroy poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$197,175$16,431$4,600$5,916
      Renters$92,225$7,685$2,152$2,767
      The affordability of the housing market in Gilroy, 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 Gilroy homeowners, the median income is $197,175. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,600 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $92,225. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,152 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.
      Moss Landing, CA3311716.7%
      Pajaro, CA3,58914241.8%
      Freedom, CA4,07314848.1%
      Watsonville, CA54,19915252.2%
      Hollister, CA41,57015454.1%
      Gilroy, CA56,37118181.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Arthur, TX56,3628515.5%
      Lenexa, KS56,38811110.9%
      Rocky Mount, NC56,3468911.4%
      Bel Air South, MD56,44412322.8%
      West Haven, CT56,2581099.5%
      Gilroy, CA56,37118181.1%
      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.