F
34%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
80%
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 Placerville California National
Cost of living134141100
Groceries108111100
Health care112116100
Housing180197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare125127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Placerville, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Placerville 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 Placerville is 134, which is 34% 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.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Placerville may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Placerville falls within this bracket.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Placerville, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 79.5% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Placerville Affordable?

Is Placerville 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 Placerville is 104.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Placerville has a median household income of $91,523, which is 12.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Placerville?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Placerville, the transportation index is 15.8% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Placerville, healthcare costs are 11.8% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Placerville, the housing index is 79.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Placerville 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 Placerville is 5% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Placerville is 34% higher than the national average
  • Placerville housing is 80% 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 Placerville

See all the best places to live around Placerville

Compare Placerville, 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$127,653$10,638$2,978$3,830
      Renters$54,770$4,564$1,278$1,643
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Placerville, 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 Placerville, homeowners have a median income of $127,653. Using that number, a maximum of $2,978 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $54,770, which means there is a maximum of $1,278 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.
      Cold Springs CDP (Tuolumne County), CA12811413.8%
      Cold Springs, CA698954.9%
      River Pines, CA4291065.7%
      Grizzly Flats, CA1,41912323.3%
      Pollock Pines, CA6,71112424.2%
      Placerville, CA11,24013433.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Manchester, TN11,241928.4%
      Castle Pines, CO11,23816665.5%
      Doctor Phillips, FL11,24213535.2%
      Campton Hills, IL11,24314342.9%
      Moncton, NB11,235n/a 
      Placerville, CA11,24013433.6%
      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.