Cost of Living in Thermal, CA

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B-
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
24%
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 Thermal California National
Cost of living103141100
Groceries108111100
Health care115116100
Housing76197100
Transportation115118100
Utilities117119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116120100
Household Items110111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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Homes For Sale In Thermal, CA

property for sale

1 Sea Manor Ave

Salton City, CA
property for sale

129 Brawley Ave

Thermal, CA
property for sale

2238 Harbor Dr

Thermal, CA
property for sale

783 Molokai Ave

Thermal, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Thermal is 27% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Thermal is 3% higher than the national average
  • Thermal housing is 24% 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 Thermal

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Compare Thermal, CA Cost of Living

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      The best places in California

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      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$20,982$1,749$490$630
      Renters$54,905$4,575$1,281$1,647
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Thermal, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Thermal, the median monthly income is $20,982 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $490 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $54,905, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,281 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Oasis, CA2,6149010.4%
      North Shore, CA2,6661033.5%
      Mecca, CA5,7631054.8%
      Thousand Palms, CA8,38811414.4%
      Coachella, CA46,85811514.9%
      Thermal, CA1,4061033.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Greenville, FL1,4068119.4%
      Washburn, ND1,406972.9%
      Stockdale, TX1,406909.6%
      Belle, WV1,4068614.2%
      Irwindale, CA1,40514949.4%
      Thermal, CA1,4061033.0%
      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.
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