F
63%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
172%
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 Rosemead California National
Cost of living163141100
Groceries108111100
Health care116116100
Housing272197100
Transportation119118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment122120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare123127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Rosemead, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Rosemead? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Rosemead stands at 163, making it 63% 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 value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Rosemead 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, Rosemead falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Rosemead cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 171.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Recurring household expenses such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics are a steady part of monthly spending and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Rosemead, these everyday items will cost you 11% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

Is Rosemead Affordable?

Is Rosemead affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Rosemead, for instance, where the median home price falls 224.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 48.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Rosemead flaunting a median household income of $90,656, 11.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rosemead?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Rosemead, the utilities index registers at 17.4% higher than the national average.

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 Rosemead, the groceries index registers 8.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Rosemead, healthcare costs are 15.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Rosemead cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rosemead is 15% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Rosemead is 63% higher than the national average
  • Rosemead housing is 172% 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 Rosemead

See all the best places to live around Rosemead

Compare Rosemead, 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$110,741$9,228$2,584$3,323
      Renters$69,568$5,797$1,623$2,087
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Rosemead, 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 Rosemead, homeowners have a median income of $110,741. Using that number, a maximum of $2,584 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $69,568, which means there is a maximum of $1,623 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      Rosemead, CA55,74316362.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Aspen Hill, MD55,71514242.4%
      Leesburg, VA55,69414141.2%
      Elyria, OH55,8028614.1%
      Normal, IL55,834973.1%
      Apple Valley, MN55,84211313.3%
      Rosemead, CA55,74316362.6%
      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.