F
97%
Overall NAT. AVG.
16%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
277%
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 Livermore California National
Cost of living197141100
Groceries116111100
Health care118116100
Housing377197100
Transportation125118100
Utilities124119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment124120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Livermore, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Livermore 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 Livermore stands at 197, marking it 97% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Livermore 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, Livermore falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Livermore, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 276.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Livermore, it's the same story – grocery costs are 15.6% higher than what people pay across the country.

Is Livermore Affordable?

Is Livermore 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 Livermore is 341.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 124.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Livermore has a median household income of $192,811, which is 137.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Livermore?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Livermore, the healthcare costs are 17.6% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Livermore, the transportation index stands at 25.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Livermore 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 Livermore is 40% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Livermore is 97% higher than the national average
  • Livermore housing is 277% 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 Livermore

See all the best places to live around Livermore

Compare Livermore, 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$235,585$19,632$5,497$7,068
      Renters$119,964$9,997$2,799$3,599
      The affordability of the housing market in Livermore, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Livermore homeowners, the median income is $235,585. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $5,497 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $119,964. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,799 for their rent related monthly 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.
      San Miguel CDP (San Luis Obispo County), CA2,80013029.5%
      Mountain House, CA21,97518079.7%
      Byron, CA2,11318382.6%
      Newark, CA49,97119595.1%
      Union City, CA76,617201101.1%
      Livermore, CA94,97119797.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kirkland, WA94,69917978.6%
      Redding, CA95,27612524.5%
      North Vancouver, BC94,662n/a 
      Niagara Falls, ON95,282n/a 
      Greenville, NC95,299954.9%
      Livermore, CA94,97119797.3%
      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.