F
41%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
99%
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 Paramount California National
Cost of living141141100
Groceries110111100
Health care113116100
Housing199197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Paramount, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Paramount is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Paramount is 141, which is 41% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

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

When it comes to the cost of living in Paramount, 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 98.9% 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 Paramount?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 8 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Paramount. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 25% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 75% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Paramount Affordable?

Is Paramount 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 Paramount, for instance, where the median home price falls 118.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 53.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Paramount flaunting a median household income of $84,335, 3.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Paramount?

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 Paramount, the utilities index is 20% 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.

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 Paramount, 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 data for Paramount shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Paramount is equal to the California average
  • The cost of living in Paramount is 41% higher than the national average
  • Paramount housing is 99% 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 Paramount

See all the best places to live around Paramount

Compare Paramount, 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$104,915$8,743$2,448$3,148
      Renters$72,779$6,065$1,698$2,184
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Paramount, 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 Paramount, the median monthly income is $104,915 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,448 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $72,779, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,698 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Paramount, CA55,17514140.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Summerville, SC55,1851044.0%
      St. Cloud, FL55,1901109.8%
      Minnetonka, MN55,23512625.9%
      Kingsport, TN55,254927.8%
      Dollard-Des Ormeaux, QC55,066n/a 
      Paramount, CA55,17514140.7%
      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.