F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
87%
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 Lake Arrowhead California National
Cost of living137141100
Groceries110111100
Health care116116100
Housing187197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items112111100
Education & Childcare130127100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lake Arrowhead is 2% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Lake Arrowhead is 37% higher than the national average
  • Lake Arrowhead housing is 87% 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 Lake Arrowhead

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Compare Lake Arrowhead, CA Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,234$10,853$3,039$3,907
      Renters$47,019$3,918$1,097$1,411
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Lake Arrowhead, 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 Lake Arrowhead homeowners, is $130,234. This would allow for a maximum of $3,039 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $47,019 which would result in a maximum of $1,097 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

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lucerne Valley, CA5,8371098.8%
      San Bernardino, CA221,91012423.5%
      Hesperia, CA98,41912322.5%
      Crestline, CA9,72312323.0%
      Running Springs, CA4,50912323.4%
      Lake Arrowhead, CA9,95613737.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sugar Grove, IL9,95911717.0%
      Port Townsend, WA9,95012525.0%
      North Gates, NY9,9421010.5%
      Brookdale, NJ9,97313838.2%
      Morden, MB9,973n/a 
      Lake Arrowhead, CA9,95613737.4%
      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.