Wondering about the cost of living in California? Well, no need to worry anymore. In this blog, we will take you through all the expenses you should consider while residing in California.
California is often seen as the golden state, with its sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. However, it is also known for its high cost of living. If you’re considering moving to or just dreaming of living in California, it’s really important to understand the financial aspects that come with it. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the cost of living in California.
Table of contents
Cost of Housing and Rent
While thinking about the cost of living in California, housing is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The state is notorious for its expensive real estate market. There are various types of student accommodation in California that come with different prices and amenities. In cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the cost of living is on the higher side. Even renting a modest apartment can take a big bite out of your monthly budget.
| Housing and Accommodation | Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | USD 2,413.23 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | USD 2,105.67 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | USD 4,739.07 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | USD 3,863.65 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in City Centre | USD 7,544.22 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment Outside of Centre | USD 6,948.03 |
Cost of Education and Learning
The cost of education is something that you must consider while calculating the cost of living in California. It may vary depending on the course and university you have chosen. Here, we have compiled a list of top universities in California with their tuition fees.
| THE Ranking 2024 | QS ranking 2025 | University | Tuition Fees |
| 2 | 6 | Stanford University, Stanford | USD 63,284 |
| 7 | 10 | California Institute of Technology, Pasadena | USD 63,402 |
| 9 | 12 | University of California, Berkeley | USD 12,894 |
| 18 | 42 | University of California, Los Angeles | USD 38,984 |
| 34 | 72 | University of California, San Diego | USD 41,089 |
Transportation: Getting Around
Transportation costs vary depending on where you live. In major urban centres, public transit systems are available, but they might not be the most convenient option depending on your location. Owning a car is often necessary, especially if you’re living in the suburbs or rural areas. Gas prices in California are notably higher than the national average, partly due to state taxes and environmental regulations.
| Mode of Transportation | Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | USD 1.75 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | USD 79.13 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | USD 3.10 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | USD 1.68 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | USD 29.19 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 1.39 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | USD 30,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | USD 27,632.20 |
Cost of Healthcare
Healthcare costs in California can be steep, reflecting the higher cost of living in California and the general trend of rising healthcare costs nationwide. Health insurance premiums can be significant, and out-of-pocket expenses for medical services are also on the higher side. If you’re moving to California, it is wise to budget for health insurance and potential medical costs.
Also Read: If you love to travel then you must explore these best places for solo travel in San Francisco.
Cost of Everyday Essentials
Groceries in California tend to be pricier compared to the national average. This is partly due to the higher cost of living in California and due to the costs of doing business and shipping. Expect to pay more for fruits, vegetables, and other staples. Organic and health-conscious options, while popular, often come with a premium.
| Groceries | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | USD 1.22 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | USD 5.07 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | USD 5.53 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | USD 4.87 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | USD 13.61 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | USD 16.27 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | USD 17.02 |
| Apples (1kg) | USD 5.99 |
| Banana (1kg) | USD 2.32 |
| Oranges (1kg) | USD 3.65 |
| Tomato (1kg) | USD 5.13 |
| Potato (1kg) | USD 2.99 |
| Onion (1kg) | USD 2.62 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | USD 1.98 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | USD 2.20 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | USD 14.99 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | USD 2.60 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 3.95 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | USD 12.00 |
Dining out can also add up quickly. While you’ll find plenty of fantastic restaurants with diverse cuisines, eating out regularly will definitely impact your wallet.
| Dining out in California | Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | USD 120.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | USD 12.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | USD 8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 10.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | USD 5.39 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 2.83 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | USD 2.18 |
Utilities: Keeping the Lights On
Utilities in California can also be higher than in other states. This includes electricity, water, and gas. Due to the frequent energy needs and environmental regulations, utility bills can be a bit steep. In areas with extreme weather, like hot summers or cold winters, you might find yourself spending more on climate control.
| Utilities | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85 sq. m. Apartment | USD 183.44 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 63.11 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 72.65 |
Taxes and What You’ll Pay
California has some of the highest state income taxes in the country. The progressive tax system means that higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes. Additionally, the state has a sales tax that can range from 7.25% to 10.25%, depending on your location. These taxes contribute to the state’s robust public services but also impact your overall cost of living in California.
Also Read: If you want to experience the nightlife of Belfast, then you must try out these bars in Belfast with your friends.
FAQs on Cost of Living in California
The overall cost of living in California is notably high compared to the national average. On average, the cost of living in California is USD 1493 to USD 1572 monthly. It can be 40-60% higher than in many other states, depending on the region.
The cost of living in California is on the higher side. It is driven by several factors, including expensive housing markets, high taxes, and elevated prices for goods and services.
Yes, groceries tend to be pricier in California compared to the national average. Factors such as transportation costs, local taxes, and the cost of doing business contribute to higher prices for food items.
Public transportation costs vary by city. In San Francisco, a Muni fare is USD 3.00, while in Los Angeles, a Metro fare is USD 1.75. Monthly passes and commuter services can also add up, so if you rely heavily on public transit, it is important to budget for these expenses.
Healthcare costs in California can be high. Health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and medical service fees are generally above the national average. It’s essential to factor in the healthcare costs while calculating the cost of living in California.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in California. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest student accommodation abroad.
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