The average cost of living in California is $3,804.26 per month
California is one of the largest states in the United States. Lots of people dream of living in California, however, the reality is that the most populous U.S. state is also one of the most expensive.
Although California has a relatively strong job market, living a luxurious life in California is not easy.
If you are interested in moving to California, keep reading to learn what the California’s major cities cost of living looks like!
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including the transit system and the CA city counties for Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis in these three most populated cities in California.
Cost of Living in California – 2024
Housing costs in California
California has a crazy housing market. It is difficult to rent or buy a place for less than $1000 a month in California. Even though the state has over 14 million housing units, the average price of a home is 250% higher than the U.S. average.
Below is the list of average costs for renting and buying properties in the 3most populated cities in California:
Cost of rent in California
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
California (Outside city center) |
$2,916.97 |
$4,041.81 |
Cost of buying a property in California
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
California |
$747,352 |
Utility costs in California: Internet, electricity and water
Whether you own a house or pay rent, you must cover the utility cost. Notably, the utility cost in California is less than in the rest of the United States. According to the March 2022 Save on Energy Electricity Bill Report, Californians consume an average of 572 kWh per month.
The average basic utility package that includes heating, electricity, water, and garbage in 3 most populated cities in California is as follows:
Utilities |
Cost in California |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² apartment) |
$266.43 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$82.81 |
|
Total |
$349.24 |
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Grocery costs in California
On average, grocery costs in California tend to be slightly higher than the U.S. national average. One of the causes is the higher cost of living in the state of California, which influences the prices of various products.
Below is the list of grocery costs in the 3 most populated cities in California:
|
Grocery items |
Costs |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$4.79 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$4.21 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.63 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$5.35 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$6.54 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
$6.79 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$8.47 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.44 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.87 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$1.65 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.45 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.65 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.33 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.43 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$14.50 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$2.21 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$3.16 |
Public transit in California
California is notorious for its bad traffic. Whether you live in San Diego or Sacramento, be prepared to spend much time in the car. The public transportation system of California is convenient for those who live near transit lines, and many neighborhoods are not accessible by transit. Also, the gas prices in California City are the highest in the country.
Below is a compilation of public transportation costs in the 3 most populated cities in California:
|
Type of fare |
Cost in California |
|
Single ticket |
$2.25 |
|
Daily pass |
$6.16 |
|
Monthly pass |
$81.00 |
US Dept. of Transportation (Oct 2023)
Entertainment costs in California
California offers its residents a wealth of local activities and unique places to see, such as Theme Parks in Disneyland, beaches, and, of course, a visit to Hollywood.
|
Entertainment |
California |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$48.33 |
|
1h taxi ride |
$35.50 |
|
1 movie ticket |
$15.83 |
|
Total |
$99.66 |
Sales tax in California
In a specific California location, sales tax consists of three parts: state, local, and district taxes. California’s base rate is 6%, but local governments can add their own taxes, causing rates to vary.
As of July 2023, California’s total sales tax is 7.75%. The reduced sales tax rate in California benefits consumers, increases economic activity, and helps local businesses.
Healthcare costs in California
In 2020, California made health coverage mandatory for residents, removing the individual mandate penalty. They also introduced a state-funded premium subsidy program to help low-income individuals get health insurance, promoting universal coverage.
California, California, boasts a strong healthcare system with known institutions like UC California Health, Scripps Health, and Sharp HealthCare. These hospitals provide a variety of medical services, contributing to the city’s reputation for high-quality healthcare. Healthcare in California can be pricey, but the good news is there are lots of different health plans to choose from.
Healthcare costs in California are as follows:
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$101.23 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$486.00 |
|
Gym |
$71.51 |
Numbeo (August 2023), CA Health Care Foundation (April 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Sept 2023)
Conclusion
Moving to California is challenging because the cost of living in California is high. Nevertheless, if rightly budgeted, you can live in California in no time. To prepare for your move, use the provided data as a reference to calculate the average cost of living and check with the best movers in California to assist you. This will help you manage your money well and make your move easier.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$2,916.97 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($71.47 multiplied by 4) |
$285.88 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$266.43 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$82.81 |
|
Transit pass |
$81.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$99.66 |
|
Gym membership |
$71.51 |
|
Total |
$3,804.26 |
