F
43%
Overall NAT. AVG.
14%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
100%
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 Soledad California National
Cost of living143141100
Groceries114111100
Health care115116100
Housing200197100
Transportation122118100
Utilities119119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment125120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare127127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Soledad, CA

The cost of living in Soledad affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Soledad is 143, which is 43% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Soledad 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, Soledad falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Soledad 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 99.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Soledad is no exception, where grocery prices are 14.2% above the national average.

Is Soledad Affordable?

Is Soledad 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 Soledad is 131.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 26.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Soledad has a median household income of $99,494, which is 22.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Soledad?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Soledad, healthcare costs are 15.4% 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 Soledad, the groceries index registers 14.2% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Soledad, the housing index stands at 99.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Soledad shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Soledad is 1% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Soledad is 43% higher than the national average
  • Soledad housing is 100% 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 Soledad

See all the best places to live around Soledad

Compare Soledad, 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$117,934$9,828$2,752$3,538
      Renters$52,518$4,377$1,225$1,576
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Soledad 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. Soledad has a median income of about $117,934 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,752 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $52,518. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,225 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.
      Greenfield CDP, CA4,7621021.9%
      Greenfield, CA18,21213534.7%
      Gonzales, CA8,67613838.0%
      Chualar, CA1,46314241.8%
      Soledad, CA26,21014342.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lochearn, MD26,21611111.2%
      Bay Point, CA26,22113434.4%
      Franklin, IN26,224946.5%
      McDonough, GA26,2281011.0%
      Melrose Park, IL26,1711022.0%
      Soledad, CA26,21014342.8%
      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.