F
91%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
271%
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 Pleasant Hill California National
Cost of living191141100
Groceries107111100
Health care114116100
Housing371197100
Transportation118118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pleasant Hill, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill stands at 191, marking it 91% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Pleasant Hill 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, Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill, 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 270.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Pleasant Hill Affordable?

Is Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill is 334% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 123.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pleasant Hill has a median household income of $183,714, which is 125.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pleasant Hill?

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 Pleasant Hill, the utilities index stands at 16.4% higher than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Pleasant Hill, the transportation index is 17.8% higher than the national average.

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 Pleasant Hill, healthcare costs are 14.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Pleasant Hill 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 Pleasant Hill is 36% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Pleasant Hill is 91% higher than the national average
  • Pleasant Hill housing is 271% 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 Pleasant Hill

See all the best places to live around Pleasant Hill

Compare Pleasant Hill, 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$228,014$19,001$5,320$6,841
      Renters$126,175$10,515$2,944$3,786
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Pleasant Hill, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Pleasant Hill homeowners, is $228,014. This would allow for a maximum of $5,320 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $126,175 which would result in a maximum of $2,944 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Port Costa, CA25111514.6%
      Pacheco, CA4,95611111.4%
      San Miguel CDP (San Luis Obispo County), CA2,80013029.5%
      Bay Point, CA26,22113434.4%
      El Cerrito CDP, CA5,89614141.1%
      Pleasant Hill, CA35,99519191.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Owings Mills, MD35,99512020.0%
      Riviera Beach, FL35,9721109.9%
      West Kelowna, BC36,030n/a 
      Manhattan Beach, CA36,038340240.2%
      Orangevale, CA36,04613938.8%
      Pleasant Hill, CA35,99519191.2%
      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.