F
41%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
94%
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 Home Gardens California National
Cost of living141141100
Groceries112111100
Health care116116100
Housing194197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment124120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare135127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Home Gardens, CA

The cost of living in Home Gardens 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 Home Gardens is 141, which is 41% 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 value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Home Gardens 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, Home Gardens falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Home Gardens 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 94.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

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 Home Gardens, you can expect to pay 10.7% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Home Gardens is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 12.1% higher than the national average.

Is Home Gardens Affordable?

Is Home Gardens 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 Home Gardens, the median home price is 105.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 67.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Home Gardens boasting a median household income of $98,895, 21.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Home Gardens?

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 Home Gardens, the groceries index is 12.1% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Home Gardens, the housing index is 94.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Home Gardens 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 Home Gardens is equal to the California average
  • The cost of living in Home Gardens is 41% higher than the national average
  • Home Gardens housing is 94% 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 Home Gardens

See all the best places to live around Home Gardens

Compare Home Gardens, 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$104,066$8,672$2,428$3,122
      Renters$71,965$5,997$1,679$2,159
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Home Gardens, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Home Gardens homeowners, is $104,066. This would allow for a maximum of $2,428 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $71,965 which would result in a maximum of $1,679 to be spent on rental 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

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      Good Hope, CA8,75411818.4%
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      Meadowbrook, CA4,32011919.2%
      Mead Valley, CA21,26312726.8%
      Colton, CA55,95612727.0%
      Home Gardens, CA12,49214140.9%

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      Laurel, FL12,50412525.3%
      Home Gardens, CA12,49214140.9%
      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.