F
56%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
148%
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 Montebello California National
Cost of living156141100
Groceries110111100
Health care113116100
Housing248197100
Transportation120118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment121120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Montebello, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Montebello? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Montebello stands at 156, making it 56% 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, Montebello 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, Montebello falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Montebello, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 147.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 5 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Montebello. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 60% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 40% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Montebello Affordable?

Is Montebello 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 Montebello, for instance, where the median home price falls 187.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 53.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Montebello flaunting a median household income of $93,962, 15.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Montebello?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Montebello, healthcare costs are 13.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Montebello 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 Montebello is 11% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Montebello is 56% higher than the national average
  • Montebello housing is 148% 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 Montebello

See all the best places to live around Montebello

Compare Montebello, 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$126,550$10,546$2,953$3,797
      Renters$75,303$6,275$1,757$2,259
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Montebello, CA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Montebello have a median income of $126,550. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,953 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $75,303, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,757.

      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%
      Montebello, CA64,50315656.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Waltham, MA64,47716463.5%
      Doral, FL64,54614141.5%
      Brentwood, NY64,44812929.5%
      La Habra, CA64,44116665.5%
      Idaho Falls, ID64,374990.8%
      Montebello, CA64,50315656.0%
      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.