F
97%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
285%
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 Walnut California National
Cost of living197141100
Groceries111111100
Health care113116100
Housing385197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities119119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment120120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare125127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Walnut, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Walnut is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Walnut is 197, which is 97% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Walnut may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Walnut falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Walnut, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 284.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Recurring household expenses such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics are a steady part of monthly spending and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Walnut, these everyday items will cost you 10.8% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Walnut, it's the same story – grocery costs are 11.4% higher than what people pay across the country.

Is Walnut Affordable?

Is Walnut affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Walnut, for instance, where the median home price falls 338% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 160.7% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Walnut flaunting a median household income of $164,391, 102.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Walnut?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Walnut, the utilities index registers at 19% 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 Walnut, the healthcare costs are 13% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Walnut, is 284.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Walnut cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Walnut is 40% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Walnut is 97% higher than the national average
  • Walnut housing is 285% 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 Walnut

See all the best places to live around Walnut

Compare Walnut, 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$170,470$14,206$3,977$5,115
      Renters$117,510$9,793$2,742$3,526
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Walnut, 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 Walnut have a median income of $170,470. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,977 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $117,510, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,742.

      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.
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Ontario, CA185,25014343.4%
      Pomona, CA156,85314545.3%
      Walnut, CA30,54419796.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Suisun City, CA30,54414545.1%
      Chicago Heights, IL30,540928.4%
      Parkersburg, WV30,5368218.3%
      East Palo Alto, CA30,529213113.4%
      Highland Park, IL30,56414646.3%
      Walnut, CA30,54419796.6%
      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.