F
66%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
188%
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 Mirada California National
Cost of living166141100
Groceries108111100
Health care115116100
Housing288197100
Transportation113118100
Utilities113119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in La Mirada, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in La Mirada? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in La Mirada 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 Mirada 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 Mirada falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the La Mirada cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 188.2% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is La Mirada Affordable?

Is La Mirada 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 La Mirada is 241.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 64.8% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. La Mirada has a median household income of $139,433, which is 71.4% higher than the national average.

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

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

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In La Mirada, the groceries index registers 8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The La Mirada 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 La Mirada is 18% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in La Mirada is 66% higher than the national average
  • La Mirada housing is 188% 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 Mirada

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Compare La Mirada, 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$153,875$12,823$3,590$4,617
      Renters$71,833$5,986$1,676$2,155
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in La Mirada, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In La Mirada, the median monthly income is $153,875 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,590 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $71,833, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,676 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      La Mirada, CA49,80416666.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Minot, ND49,7421021.9%
      Beaumont, CA49,87713231.6%
      Rancho Santa Margarita, CA49,88917877.9%
      McLean, VA49,909228128.4%
      East Lansing, MI49,6881000.1%
      La Mirada, CA49,80416666.1%
      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.