F
58%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
159%
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 Lawndale California National
Cost of living158141100
Groceries111111100
Health care115116100
Housing259197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lawndale, CA

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?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lawndale?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lawndale is 12% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Lawndale is 58% higher than the national average
  • Lawndale housing is 159% 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 Lawndale

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Compare Lawndale, 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$149,589$12,466$3,490$4,488
      Renters$83,809$6,984$1,955$2,515
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Lawndale, 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 Lawndale, homeowners have a median income of $149,589. Using that number, a maximum of $3,490 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $83,809, which means there is a maximum of $1,955 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.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Lawndale, CA33,50815857.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Lake, FL33,51812625.6%
      College Park, MD33,47512929.1%
      Pekin, IL33,4688811.8%
      Saint-Georges, QC33,468n/a 
      La Verne, CA33,46016665.8%
      Lawndale, CA33,50815857.9%
      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.