F
40%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
95%
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 Loma Linda California National
Cost of living140141100
Groceries113111100
Health care115116100
Housing195197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Loma Linda, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Loma Linda can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Loma Linda cost of living index is 140, which is 40% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Loma Linda may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Loma Linda falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Loma Linda 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 94.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, 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 Loma Linda, it's the same story – grocery costs are 13.3% higher than what people pay across the country.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Loma Linda?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Loma Linda. The results indicated that 83% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 17% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Loma Linda Affordable?

Wondering if Loma Linda 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 Loma Linda, for example, the median home price is 114.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 48.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Loma Linda boasting a median household income of $85,058, which is 4.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Loma Linda?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Loma Linda, the groceries index is 13.3% 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 Loma Linda, the transportation index stands at 16.7% 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.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Loma Linda 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 Loma Linda is 1% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Loma Linda is 40% higher than the national average
  • Loma Linda housing is 95% 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 Loma Linda

See all the best places to live around Loma Linda

Compare Loma Linda, 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$139,043$11,587$3,244$4,172
      Renters$66,773$5,564$1,558$2,003
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Loma Linda, 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 Loma Linda, homeowners have a median income of $139,043. Using that number, a maximum of $3,244 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $66,773, which means there is a maximum of $1,558 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.
      San Bernardino, CA221,91012423.5%
      Crestline, CA9,72312323.0%
      Calimesa, CA9,44612424.1%
      Running Springs, CA4,50912323.4%
      Muscoy, CA11,80912626.0%
      Loma Linda, CA25,14414039.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Norton Shores, MI25,151955.2%
      Norfolk, NE25,122927.9%
      Wilsonville, OR25,12113636.0%
      Ottumwa, IA25,1688316.7%
      Herndon, VA25,11914544.7%
      Loma Linda, CA25,14414039.9%
      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.