F
60%
Overall NAT. AVG.
14%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
158%
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 Inglewood California National
Cost of living160141100
Groceries114111100
Health care119116100
Housing258197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items114111100
Education & Childcare132127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Inglewood, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Inglewood can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Inglewood cost of living index is 160, which is 60% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Inglewood 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, Inglewood falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Inglewood, 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 158% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Recurring household expenses such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics are a steady part of monthly spending and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Inglewood, these everyday items will cost you 13.9% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

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 Inglewood is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 14.3% higher than the national average.

Is Inglewood Affordable?

Wondering if Inglewood is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Inglewood, for example, the median home price is 204.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 49.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Inglewood boasting a median household income of $85,602, which is 5.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Inglewood?

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 Inglewood, the housing index is 158% 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.

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 Inglewood, the utilities index is 16.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Inglewood 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 Inglewood is 14% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Inglewood is 60% higher than the national average
  • Inglewood housing is 158% 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 Inglewood

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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$131,977$10,998$3,079$3,960
      Renters$66,499$5,542$1,552$1,995
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Inglewood is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Inglewood has a median income of about $131,977 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,079 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $66,499. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,552 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%
      Inglewood, CA112,01116060.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Richmond, CA112,26815555.0%
      San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA111,54816767.0%
      Thunder Bay, ON111,499n/a 
      Hillsboro, OR111,39013029.7%
      Broken Arrow, OK112,690963.9%
      Inglewood, CA112,01116060.0%
      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.