F
66%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
180%
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 La Habra California National
Cost of living166141100
Groceries113111100
Health care116116100
Housing280197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare120127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in La Habra, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in La Habra? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in La Habra stands at 166, making it 66% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, La Habra may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, La Habra falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in La Habra, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 179.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Everyday household expenses like cleaning products, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics can quickly add up over time and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In La Habra, you can expect to spend 11.1% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.

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 La Habra is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 12.9% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in La Habra?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 7 residents in La Habra 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? 14% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 86% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is La Habra Affordable?

Is La Habra 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 La Habra, the median home price is 225.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 72.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with La Habra boasting a median household income of $126,369, 55.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in La Habra?

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

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In La Habra, healthcare costs are 16.3% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In La Habra, the transportation index stands at 17.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for La Habra shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in La Habra is 18% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in La Habra is 66% higher than the national average
  • La Habra housing is 180% 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 La Habra

See all the best places to live around La Habra

Compare La Habra, 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$152,580$12,715$3,560$4,578
      Renters$94,785$7,899$2,212$2,844
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in La Habra, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In La Habra, homeowners have a median income of $152,580. Using that number, a maximum of $3,560 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $94,785, which means there is a maximum of $2,212 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      La Habra, CA64,44116665.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brentwood, NY64,44812929.5%
      Waltham, MA64,47716463.5%
      Montebello, CA64,50315656.0%
      Idaho Falls, ID64,374990.8%
      Grand Junction, CO64,33811212.1%
      La Habra, CA64,44116665.5%
      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.