F
32%
Overall NAT. AVG.
18%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
66%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Rialto California National
Cost of living132143100
Goods & Services118115100
Groceries109108100
Health care93103100
Housing166197100
Transportation138136100
Utilities122144100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Rialto, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Rialto? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Rialto stands at 132, making it 32% 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.

The cost of living in Rialto is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Rialto falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Rialto, 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 65.7% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Goods and services make up 33% of the total cost of living index score and are a large part of your everyday expenses. These items could include things like haircuts, salons, toothpaste, shampoo, clothes, movies, bowling, gym memberships or yoga. In Rialto, you can expect to pay 17.6% more than average for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 15 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Rialto. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 67% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 33% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Rialto Affordable?

Is Rialto 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 Rialto is 77.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 37.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Rialto has a median household income of $98,263, which is 20.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rialto?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Rialto, the utilities index is 21.9% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

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 Rialto, the transportation index is 38.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Rialto, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rialto is 8% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Rialto is 32% higher than the national average
  • Rialto housing is 66% 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 Rialto

See all the best places to live around Rialto

Compare Rialto, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$114,810$9,568$2,679$3,445
      Renters$70,243$5,854$1,639$2,108
      The affordability of the housing market in Rialto, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Rialto homeowners, the median income is $114,810. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,679 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $70,243. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,639 for their rent related monthly 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.92$27.622.5%
      Beauty Salon $92.22$51.1180.5%
      Toothpaste $3.93$4.094.0%
      Shampoo $1.58$1.542.5%
      Movie $17.39$12.8835.0%
      Yoga $31.33$19.6659.4%

      Groceries

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.34$7.704.7%
      Fried Chicken $3.37$1.66102.7%
      Milk $5.06$4.736.9%
      Potatoes $4.85$5.267.7%
      Pizza $16.13$12.7626.4%
      Beer $11.24$10.556.5%

      Health Care

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $160.00$140.0614.2%
      Doctor $131.67$153.8214.4%
      Dentist $125.75$123.152.1%
      Ibuprofen $12.24$11.734.3%
      Lipitor $17.53$23.6125.8%

      Housing

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      Home Price $580,418.00$326,622.0077.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $7,772.24$2,480.25213.4%
      Apartment Rent $1,987.00$1,444.0037.6%

      Transportation

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.48$3.0646.6%
      Tire Balancing $76.80$65.2117.8%

      Utilities

      Item Rialto National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $306.96$220.1239.5%
      Phone $182.71$195.716.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Bernardino, CA221,91012423.6%
      Crestline, CA9,72312424.4%
      Muscoy, CA11,80912625.8%
      Colton, CA55,95612828.2%
      Bloomington, CA22,50613029.7%
      Rialto, CA106,52413232.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Burbank, CA106,56819089.8%
      Strathcona County, AB106,316n/a 
      San Mateo, CA106,097253152.7%
      Las Cruces, NM106,024928.2%
      Green Bay, WI107,1449010.3%
      Rialto, CA106,52413232.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.