| Index | Lawndale | California | National |
| Cost of living | 158 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 115 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 259 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 118 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 116 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 116 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 108 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 122 | 127 | 100 |

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lawndale? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lawndale stands at 158, making it 58% 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.
The cost of living in Lawndale is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Lawndale falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Lawndale cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 159% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Lawndale is no exception, where grocery prices are 10.7% above the national average.
Is Lawndale 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 Lawndale, the median home price is 200.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 61.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lawndale boasting a median household income of $98,564, 21.2% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
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 Lawndale, 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 Lawndale, the utilities index registers at 15.6% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Lawndale 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.
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $149,589 | $12,466 | $3,490 | $4,488 |
| Renters | $83,809 | $6,984 | $1,955 | $2,515 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Westside, CA | 218 | 124 | 23.9% |
| Vernon, CA | 254 | 117 | 16.8% |
| Rolling Hills CDP, CA | 855 | 133 | 33.4% |
| Willowbrook, CA | 25,347 | 136 | 36.0% |
| East Rancho Dominguez, CA | 15,765 | 136 | 36.3% |
| Lawndale, CA | 33,508 | 158 | 57.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| East Lake, FL | 33,518 | 126 | 25.6% |
| College Park, MD | 33,475 | 129 | 29.1% |
| Pekin, IL | 33,468 | 88 | 11.8% |
| Saint-Georges, QC | 33,468 | n/a | |
| La Verne, CA | 33,460 | 166 | 65.8% |
| Lawndale, CA | 33,508 | 158 | 57.9% |