F
72%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
205%
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 Rowland Heights California National
Cost of living172141100
Groceries112111100
Health care113116100
Housing305197100
Transportation114118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare125127100
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 Rowland Heights, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Rowland Heights? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Rowland Heights stands at 172, making it 72% 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 Rowland Heights 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, Rowland Heights 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 Rowland Heights, 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 205.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

The surge in grocery costs is indeed alarming, especially when groceries make up a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Over the past two years, there has been an inflation of over 10% in grocery prices. Unfortunately, Rowland Heights does not fare better, with grocery expenses coming in at 11.7% higher than the national average.

Is Rowland Heights Affordable?

Is Rowland Heights 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 Rowland Heights, for instance, where the median home price falls 265.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 65.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Rowland Heights flaunting a median household income of $113,459, 39.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rowland Heights?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Rowland Heights, the groceries index is 11.7% 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 Rowland Heights, the housing index is 205.4% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Rowland Heights, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7.25%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The Rowland Heights 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 Rowland Heights is 22% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Rowland Heights is 72% higher than the national average
  • Rowland Heights housing is 205% 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 Rowland Heights

See all the best places to live around Rowland Heights

Compare Rowland Heights, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Rowland Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Rowland Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Rowland Heights 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$135,232$11,269$3,155$4,057
      Renters$84,169$7,014$1,964$2,525
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Rowland Heights, CA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Rowland Heights have a median income of $135,232. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,155 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $84,169, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,964.

      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.
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Ontario, CA185,25014343.4%
      Rowland Heights, CA51,65217272.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Levittown, PA51,6341076.7%
      Coral Gables, FL51,68619291.6%
      Irondequoit, NY51,6101033.0%
      Methuen Town, MA51,59013130.9%
      Kannapolis, NC51,586972.6%
      Rowland Heights, CA51,65217272.0%
      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.