F
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
24%
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 Livingston California National
Cost of living118141100
Groceries108111100
Health care115116100
Housing124197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities119119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare125127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Livingston, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Livingston is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Livingston is 118, which is 18% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Livingston 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 23.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Livingston Affordable?

Wondering if Livingston is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Livingston, for example, the median home price is 27.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 14.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Livingston boasting a median household income of $88,165, which is 8.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Livingston?

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 Livingston, the transportation index is 16.2% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Livingston, the groceries index registers 7.9% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Livingston 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 Livingston is 17% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Livingston is 18% higher than the national average
  • Livingston housing is 24% 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 Livingston

See all the best places to live around Livingston

Compare Livingston, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Livingston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Livingston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Livingston poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$110,887$9,241$2,587$3,327
      Renters$70,879$5,907$1,654$2,127
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Livingston is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Livingston has a median income of about $110,887 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,587 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,879. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,654 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Stevinson, CA20211716.8%
      Cowan, CA48611414.4%
      Winton, CA12,0451098.9%
      Cressey, CA25311515.1%
      Franklin, CA7,91511817.9%
      Livingston, CA14,88511817.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      High River, AB14,888n/a 
      Calera, AL14,874963.9%
      Thibodaux, LA14,873955.3%
      Homosassa Springs, FL14,8709010.5%
      Corinth, MS14,8698812.1%
      Livingston, CA14,88511817.5%
      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.