F
86%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
255%
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 Los Alamitos California National
Cost of living186141100
Groceries107111100
Health care113116100
Housing355197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare119127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Los Alamitos, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Los Alamitos? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Los Alamitos stands at 186, making it 86% 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.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Los Alamitos 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, Los Alamitos 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 Los Alamitos 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 255.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Los Alamitos Affordable?

Is Los Alamitos 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 Los Alamitos, the median home price is 322.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 100% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Los Alamitos boasting a median household income of $131,343, 61.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Los Alamitos?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Los Alamitos, the general sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates begin at 1%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Los Alamitos, the utilities index is 18.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Los Alamitos, healthcare costs are 12.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Los Alamitos cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Los Alamitos is 32% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Los Alamitos is 86% higher than the national average
  • Los Alamitos housing is 255% 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 Los Alamitos

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Compare Los Alamitos, 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$158,686$13,224$3,702$4,761
      Renters$101,027$8,419$2,357$3,031
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Los Alamitos, 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 Los Alamitos, homeowners have a median income of $158,686. Using that number, a maximum of $3,702 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $101,027, which means there is a maximum of $2,357 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      Los Alamitos, CA11,94018686.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Beachwood, OH11,94111818.2%
      Yeadon, PA11,936963.8%
      Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC11,947n/a 
      Seven Hills, OH11,931991.1%
      Newman, CA11,92612323.1%
      Los Alamitos, CA11,94018686.5%
      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.