F
65%
Overall NAT. AVG.
14%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
173%
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 Hawthorne California National
Cost of living165141100
Groceries114111100
Health care117116100
Housing273197100
Transportation119118100
Utilities123119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hawthorne, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne is 165, which is 65% 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 you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Hawthorne 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, Hawthorne falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Hawthorne cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 172.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Hawthorne, these items cost 11% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

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 Hawthorne, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 14% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hawthorne?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 10 residents in Hawthorne 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? 70% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 30% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Hawthorne Affordable?

Is Hawthorne an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Hawthorne is 230.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 39.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hawthorne has a median household income of $87,747, which is 7.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hawthorne?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Hawthorne, the utilities index is 23.2% 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.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Hawthorne cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hawthorne is 17% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Hawthorne is 65% higher than the national average
  • Hawthorne housing is 173% 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 Hawthorne

See all the best places to live around Hawthorne

Compare Hawthorne, 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$146,069$12,172$3,408$4,383
      Renters$73,840$6,153$1,723$2,215
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne have a median income of $146,069. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,408 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $73,840, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,723.

      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%
      Hawthorne, CA88,58716564.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Newmarket, ON88,702n/a 
      St. George, UT88,94611616.1%
      Avondale, AZ88,98111111.1%
      Bryan, TX88,156973.3%
      Fayetteville, AR89,0911010.8%
      Hawthorne, CA88,58716564.8%
      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.