F
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 Phelan California National
Cost of living122141100
Groceries108111100
Health care111116100
Housing143197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities115119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items107111100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Phelan, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Phelan allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Phelan stands at 122, marking it 22% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Phelan 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, Phelan 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 Phelan 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 42.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Phelan Affordable?

Is Phelan 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 Phelan, for instance, where the median home price falls 48.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 28.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Phelan flaunting a median household income of $93,068, 14.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Phelan?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Phelan, the groceries index is 8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Phelan, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The Phelan cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Phelan is 13% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Phelan is 22% higher than the national average
  • Phelan housing is 43% 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 Phelan

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Compare Phelan, 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$106,122$8,844$2,476$3,184
      Renters$54,860$4,572$1,280$1,646
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Phelan, 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 Phelan, homeowners have a median income of $106,122. Using that number, a maximum of $2,476 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $54,860, which means there is a maximum of $1,280 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.
      Lake Los Angeles, CA12,39411615.7%
      Adelanto, CA35,08111615.8%
      Mountain View Acres, CA3,81412221.9%
      Piñon Hills, CA7,13612120.9%
      Lytle Creek, CA67113333.4%
      Phelan, CA19,73912222.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC19,745n/a 
      Mineola, NY19,74815454.1%
      Hermosa Beach, CA19,749290190.4%
      North Liberty, IA19,7491044.4%
      Erlanger, KY19,751918.9%
      Phelan, CA19,73912222.1%
      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.