B
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Susanville California National
Cost of living102141100
Groceries101111100
Health care100116100
Housing99197100
Transportation101118100
Utilities110119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108120100
Household Items103111100
Education & Childcare109127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Susanville, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Susanville 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 Susanville stands at 102, marking it 2% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Susanville aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Susanville residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Susanville Affordable?

Is Susanville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Susanville, the median home price is 0.9% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 1.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Susanville boasting a median household income of $71,190, 12.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Susanville?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Susanville, the housing index comes in at 1.2% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Susanville, the transportation index stands at 0.8% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Susanville, the general sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates begin at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The Susanville 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 Susanville is 27% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Susanville is 2% higher than the national average
  • Susanville housing is 1% lower 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 Susanville

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Compare Susanville, 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$95,902$7,992$2,238$2,877
      Renters$55,953$4,663$1,305$1,679
      The affordability of the housing market in Susanville, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Susanville homeowners, the median income is $95,902. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,238 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $55,953. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,305 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Litchfield, CA1881043.8%
      Johnstonville, CA1,1911077.5%
      Janesville, CA2,91211414.1%
      Susanville, CA15,2301022.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      El Sobrante, CA15,23116261.7%
      Lynden, WA15,22613232.1%
      West Lincoln, ON15,222n/a 
      Canmore, AB15,222n/a 
      Lebanon, MO15,2218514.7%
      Susanville, CA15,2301022.3%
      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.