F
56%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
146%
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 South Whittier California National
Cost of living156141100
Groceries113111100
Health care113116100
Housing246197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities119119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment122120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in South Whittier, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in South Whittier? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in South Whittier stands at 156, making it 56% 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 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 South Whittier 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, South Whittier 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 South Whittier 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 145.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, 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 South Whittier, you can expect to pay 10.6% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in South Whittier, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 12.7% higher than the national average.

Is South Whittier Affordable?

Is South Whittier 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 South Whittier is 182.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 60% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. South Whittier has a median household income of $113,913, which is 40.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South Whittier?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In South Whittier, the housing index is 145.9% higher than the national average.

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 South Whittier comes in at 19.4% higher than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In South Whittier, the transportation index is 17.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for South Whittier 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 South Whittier is 11% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in South Whittier is 56% higher than the national average
  • South Whittier housing is 146% 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 South Whittier

See all the best places to live around South Whittier

Compare South Whittier, 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$136,633$11,386$3,188$4,099
      Renters$78,642$6,554$1,835$2,359
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in South Whittier 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. South Whittier has a median income of about $136,633 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,188 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $78,642. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,835 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.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      South Whittier, CA59,92415655.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      White Plains, NY59,85616060.3%
      Hendersonville, TN59,85611111.4%
      Dubuque, IA59,811928.3%
      Margate, FL59,7871109.5%
      Sarasota, FL59,70511818.1%
      South Whittier, CA59,92415655.8%
      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.