F
54%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
146%
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 Hollister California National
Cost of living154141100
Groceries111111100
Health care115116100
Housing246197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare120127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hollister, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hollister 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 Hollister is 154, which is 54% 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 affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Hollister is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Hollister falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Hollister, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 146% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Hollister, it's the same story – grocery costs are 11% higher than what people pay across the country.

Is Hollister Affordable?

Is Hollister 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 Hollister is 183.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 58.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hollister has a median household income of $120,261, which is 47.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hollister?

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 Hollister, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Hollister, the groceries index is 11% higher than the national average.

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 Hollister, the healthcare costs are 14.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hollister cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hollister is 9% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Hollister is 54% higher than the national average
  • Hollister housing is 146% 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 Hollister

See all the best places to live around Hollister

Compare Hollister, 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$151,121$12,593$3,526$4,534
      Renters$79,272$6,606$1,850$2,378
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Hollister, 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 Hollister have a median income of $151,121. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,526 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $79,272, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,850.

      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.
      Salinas, CA161,64014949.0%
      Prunedale, CA20,97816666.4%
      San Juan Bautista, CA2,15316766.8%
      Ridgemark, CA2,66517878.3%
      Gilroy, CA56,37118181.1%
      Hollister, CA41,57015454.1%

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      Maplewood, MN41,5991076.7%
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      Spanish Fork, UT41,49611817.6%
      Cape Girardeau, MO41,479937.2%
      Bullhead City, AZ41,684973.5%
      Hollister, CA41,57015454.1%
      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.