Cost of Living in California
Overall index: 143.1 — ranked #3 of 51 (one of the most expensive).
Where your money goes in California
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in California
Estimated annual spending: $98,798($23,798 over budget)
Metro areas in California
What things cost in California
| Item | California | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $785,000 | $360,000 | +$425,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $2,792/mo | $1,400/mo | +$1,392 |
| Gas (regular) | $5.29/gal | $3.50/gal | +$1.79 |
| Electric bill | $240/mo | $137/mo | +$103 |
| Infant childcare | $21,945/yr | $13,500/yr | +$8,445 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.41 | $4.95 | +$0.46 |
| Monthly groceries | $448/mo | $410/mo | +$38 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: California vs national average
What a salary in California is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $71,550 | +$21,550 |
| $75,000 | $107,325 | +$32,325 |
| $100,000 | $143,100 | +$43,100 |
| $125,000 | $178,875 | +$53,875 |
| $150,000 | $214,650 | +$64,650 |
| $200,000 | $286,200 | +$86,200 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in California to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare California with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in California?
California has an overall cost-of-living index of 143.1, making it one of the most expensive (ranked #3 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $785,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $2,792/month.
Is California expensive to live in?
Yes, California is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 143.1 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 199.4% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in California?
The median home price in California is $785,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $2,792/month. California's housing index is 199.4 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 99.4% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — San Francisco has a housing index of 340.
How much are groceries in California?
California's grocery index is 109.3 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.41 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $448, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in California?
The average monthly electric bill in California is $240 based on the state's residential rate of 27.04¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in California?
Center-based infant childcare in California averages $21,945/year ($1,829/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in California?
A $75,000 salary in California has the same purchasing power as $52,411 at the national average cost of living. Because California is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in California?
Major metro areas in California include: San Francisco (179.5), Los Angeles (166.8), San Diego (160.2). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 143.1. San Francisco is the most expensive at 179.5, while San Diego is the most affordable at 160.2. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- California Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after California taxes
- House Affordability in California — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare California take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.