F
75%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
221%
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 Gabriel California National
Cost of living175141100
Groceries108111100
Health care116116100
Housing321197100
Transportation112118100
Utilities114119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113120100
Household Items112111100
Education & Childcare119127100
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 San Gabriel, CA

Knowing the cost of living in San Gabriel allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in San Gabriel stands at 175, marking it 75% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in San Gabriel is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, San Gabriel falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the San Gabriel cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 221% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In San Gabriel, these items cost 11.7% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

Is San Gabriel Affordable?

Is San Gabriel 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 Gabriel is 288.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 64.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. San Gabriel has a median household income of $105,340, which is 29.5% higher than the national average.

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

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 San Gabriel, the transportation index is 12% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In San Gabriel, the healthcare costs are 15.6% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In San Gabriel, the utilities index stands at 14.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The San Gabriel 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 Gabriel is 24% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in San Gabriel is 75% higher than the national average
  • San Gabriel housing is 221% 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 Gabriel

See all the best places to live around San Gabriel

Compare San Gabriel, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in San Gabriel?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in San Gabriel?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all San Gabriel 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$153,268$12,772$3,576$4,598
      Renters$84,443$7,037$1,970$2,534
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in San Gabriel, 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 San Gabriel have a median income of $153,268. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,576 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $84,443, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,970.

      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%
      San Gabriel, CA41,29017575.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wentzville, MO41,2791043.9%
      Hallandale Beach, FL41,31011111.4%
      Valrico, FL41,25111414.3%
      Huber Heights, OH41,362909.5%
      Gallatin, TN41,3721076.7%
      San Gabriel, CA41,29017575.1%
      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.