F
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
33%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Paradise California National
Cost of living118140100
Goods & Services109111100
Groceries108112100
Health care113109100
Housing133196100
Transportation121126100
Utilities114127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Paradise, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Paradise 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 Paradise cost of living index is 118, which is 18% 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.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Paradise 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 33.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Paradise Affordable?

Is Paradise an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Paradise is 42.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 11.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Paradise has a median household income of $49,275, which is 10.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Paradise?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Paradise, the utilities index stands at 14% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Paradise, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7.25%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Paradise, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Paradise is 15% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Paradise is 18% higher than the national average
  • Paradise housing is 33% 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 Paradise

See all the best places to live around Paradise

Compare Paradise, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$54,564$4,547$1,273$1,637
      Renters$37,835$3,153$883$1,135
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Paradise, 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 Paradise, homeowners have a median income of $54,564. Using that number, a maximum of $1,273 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $37,835, which means there is a maximum of $883 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      Haircut $40.00$24.2664.9%
      Beauty Salon $60.53$45.5632.8%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.701.0%
      Shampoo $1.44$1.2812.5%
      Movie $13.76$12.1313.4%
      Bowling $22.22$18.0023.5%

      Groceries

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.56$5.844.7%
      Fried Chicken $2.06$1.5731.0%
      Milk $4.93$4.675.5%
      Potatoes $4.69$4.935.0%
      Pizza $13.98$12.0915.7%
      Beer $10.49$10.410.8%

      Health Care

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $153.50$125.6822.1%
      Doctor $201.43$135.7848.3%
      Dentist $115.72$113.292.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.03$10.653.5%
      Lipitor $380.45$468.6018.8%

      Housing

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      Home Price $264,000.00$184,700.0042.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,182.68$2,346.6935.6%
      Apartment Rent $1,057.00$949.0011.4%

      Transportation

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.51$3.4630.2%
      Tire Balancing $58.67$59.922.1%

      Utilities

      Item Paradise National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $238.53$193.9923.0%
      Phone $190.81$192.250.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stirling City, CA3001033.3%
      Concow, CA4721076.6%
      Magalia, CA11,4441109.6%
      Berry Creek, CA1,27811110.7%
      Yankee Hill, CA25611413.5%
      Paradise, CA17,56011818.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glenvar Heights, FL17,56013231.7%
      Greenfield, CA17,56513433.8%
      Wantagh, NY17,54816059.9%
      Manassas Park, VA17,54812525.2%
      Lithia Springs, GA17,545927.8%
      Paradise, CA17,56011818.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.