F
66%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
186%
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 San Dimas California National
Cost of living166141100
Groceries110111100
Health care114116100
Housing286197100
Transportation112118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare125127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in San Dimas, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in San Dimas is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in San Dimas is 166, which is 66% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

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

When it comes to the cost of living in San Dimas, 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 186.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In San Dimas, you can expect to pay 10.1% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

Is San Dimas Affordable?

Is San Dimas 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 San Dimas is 226.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 92% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. San Dimas has a median household income of $136,792, which is 68.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in San Dimas?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in San Dimas comes in at 17.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In San Dimas, healthcare costs are 13.6% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The San Dimas 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 San Dimas is 18% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in San Dimas is 66% higher than the national average
  • San Dimas housing is 186% 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 San Dimas

See all the best places to live around San Dimas

Compare San Dimas, 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$166,775$13,898$3,891$5,004
      Renters$99,842$8,320$2,329$2,996
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in San Dimas is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. San Dimas has a median income of about $166,775 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,891 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $99,842. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,329 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Ontario, CA185,25014343.4%
      Pomona, CA156,85314545.3%
      San Dimas, CA35,16416665.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chillum, MD35,16712626.1%
      Montgomery Village, MD35,13312726.7%
      Newark, DE35,11711514.5%
      Chester, PA35,1178613.9%
      Sun Prairie, WI35,1071109.5%
      San Dimas, CA35,16416665.8%
      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.