F
112%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
335%
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 Redondo Beach California National
Cost of living212141100
Groceries109111100
Health care114116100
Housing435197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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 Redondo Beach, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Redondo Beach? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Redondo Beach stands at 212, making it 112% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Redondo Beach 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, Redondo Beach falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Redondo Beach 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 335.5% 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 Redondo Beach?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Redondo Beach. The feedback revealed that 0% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 100% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Redondo Beach Affordable?

Is Redondo Beach an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Redondo Beach, the median home price is 426.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 122.8% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Redondo Beach come in at $172,877, which is 112.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Redondo Beach?

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 Redondo Beach, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Redondo Beach, the groceries index is 8.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Redondo Beach 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 Redondo Beach is 50% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Redondo Beach is 112% higher than the national average
  • Redondo Beach housing is 335% 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 Redondo Beach

See all the best places to live around Redondo Beach

Compare Redondo Beach, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Redondo Beach?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Redondo Beach?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Redondo Beach 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$216,835$18,070$5,059$6,506
      Renters$143,515$11,960$3,348$4,306
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Redondo Beach, 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 Redondo Beach, homeowners have a median income of $216,835. Using that number, a maximum of $5,059 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $143,515, which means there is a maximum of $3,348 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.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Redondo Beach, CA68,376212111.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lodi, CA68,36113231.7%
      North Little Rock, AR68,354919.2%
      West Des Moines, IA68,3451032.6%
      Eagan, MN68,19311716.6%
      Tamarac, FL68,6861098.5%
      Redondo Beach, CA68,376212111.8%
      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.