F
42%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
101%
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 Lathrop California National
Cost of living142141100
Groceries109111100
Health care120116100
Housing201197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare130127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lathrop, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Lathrop allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Lathrop stands at 142, marking it 42% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Lathrop is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Lathrop falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Lathrop 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 101.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

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 Lathrop, these everyday items will cost you 10.5% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

Is Lathrop Affordable?

Is Lathrop affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Lathrop, for instance, where the median home price falls 109.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 80.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lathrop flaunting a median household income of $132,744, 63.2% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lathrop?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Lathrop, the standard sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 1%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lathrop, the utilities index registers at 21.1% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Lathrop, the transportation index is 18% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Lathrop 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 Lathrop is 1% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Lathrop is 42% higher than the national average
  • Lathrop housing is 101% 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 Lathrop

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Compare Lathrop, 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$152,106$12,676$3,549$4,564
      Renters$92,471$7,706$2,158$2,774
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Lathrop, 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 Lathrop homeowners, is $152,106. This would allow for a maximum of $3,549 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $92,471 which would result in a maximum of $2,158 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.
      Farmington, CA17511717.2%
      Rouse, CA1,72411211.9%
      Kennedy, CA2,97711313.4%
      August, CA8,21811413.7%
      Garden Acres, CA10,31811616.0%
      Lathrop, CA24,45714242.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ponca City, OK24,4638515.3%
      North Haven, CT24,45012424.0%
      Forney, TX24,4671066.1%
      Saginaw, TX24,4771033.5%
      Essa, ON24,435n/a 
      Lathrop, CA24,45714242.4%
      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.