F
71%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
190%
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 Lomita California National
Cost of living171141100
Groceries112111100
Health care117116100
Housing290197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment126120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare137127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lomita, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Lomita 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 Lomita cost of living index is 171, which is 71% 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.

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

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Lomita, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 190.3% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Lomita is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 12.2% higher than the national average.

Is Lomita Affordable?

Is Lomita affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Lomita, for instance, where the median home price falls 249.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 51.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Lomita flaunting a median household income of $113,160, 39.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lomita?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Lomita, the housing index stands at 190.3% 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.

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 Lomita, the groceries index is 12.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lomita cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lomita is 21% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Lomita is 71% higher than the national average
  • Lomita housing is 190% 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 Lomita

See all the best places to live around Lomita

Compare Lomita, 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$166,163$13,847$3,877$4,985
      Renters$92,326$7,694$2,154$2,770
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Lomita 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. Lomita has a median income of about $166,163 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,877 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $92,326. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,154 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Lomita, CA20,90917170.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Libertyville, IL20,90513434.1%
      Nogales, AZ20,919919.1%
      Pleasantville, NJ20,9271043.5%
      Plainview, TX20,9298514.9%
      Sulphur, LA20,888937.4%
      Lomita, CA20,90917170.7%
      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.