F
43%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
104%
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 Manteca California National
Cost of living143141100
Groceries109111100
Health care120116100
Housing204197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare130127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Manteca, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Manteca? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Manteca stands at 143, making it 43% 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 value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Manteca may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Manteca falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Manteca cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 103.6%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Everyday household expenses like cleaning products, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics can quickly add up over time and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Manteca, you can expect to spend 10.5% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Manteca?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 10 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Manteca. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 0% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 100% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Manteca Affordable?

Wondering if Manteca 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 Manteca, for example, the median home price is 119.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 66.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Manteca boasting a median household income of $116,740, which is 43.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Manteca?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Manteca, the utilities index registers 21.1% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Manteca, the groceries index is 8.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Manteca 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 Manteca is 2% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Manteca is 43% higher than the national average
  • Manteca housing is 104% 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 Manteca

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Compare Manteca, 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$140,762$11,730$3,284$4,223
      Renters$79,772$6,648$1,861$2,393
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Manteca, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Manteca, the median monthly income is $140,762 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,284 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $79,772, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,861 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Farmington, CA17511717.2%
      Parklawn, CA1,8911076.8%
      Airport, CA1,30611110.8%
      Bret Harte, CA5,1751087.9%
      Bystrom, CA3,85411211.5%
      Manteca, CA84,07114343.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      The Villages, FL84,11512020.5%
      Somerville, MA84,01818585.2%
      Buena Park, CA83,98916767.4%
      Medford, OR84,27111717.0%
      Cicero, IL84,3201000.3%
      Manteca, CA84,07114343.1%
      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.