F
44%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
110%
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 Redlands California National
Cost of living144141100
Groceries109111100
Health care115116100
Housing210197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities120119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment121120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare127127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Redlands, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Redlands 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 Redlands cost of living index is 144, which is 44% 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.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Redlands may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Redlands falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Redlands cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 110.5% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Redlands?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 21 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Redlands and this is how they responded. 38% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 62% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Redlands Affordable?

Wondering if Redlands is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Redlands, for example, the median home price is 135.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 51.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Redlands boasting a median household income of $121,745, which is 49.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Redlands?

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.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Redlands, the groceries index registers 8.5% 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 Redlands, the housing index is 110.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Redlands 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 Redlands is 2% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Redlands is 44% higher than the national average
  • Redlands housing is 110% 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 Redlands

See all the best places to live around Redlands

Compare Redlands, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Redlands?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Redlands?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Redlands poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$156,631$13,053$3,654$4,699
      Renters$82,693$6,891$1,929$2,481
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Redlands, 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 Redlands, homeowners have a median income of $156,631. Using that number, a maximum of $3,654 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $82,693, which means there is a maximum of $1,929 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.
      San Bernardino, CA221,91012423.5%
      Crestline, CA9,72312323.0%
      Calimesa, CA9,44612424.1%
      Running Springs, CA4,50912323.4%
      Muscoy, CA11,80912626.0%
      Redlands, CA74,42914444.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sarnia, ON74,477n/a 
      Pawtucket, RI74,3111087.7%
      Wood Buffalo, AB74,298n/a 
      Maple Grove, MN74,29111919.5%
      Bowling Green, KY74,252945.8%
      Redlands, CA74,42914444.2%
      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.