Cost of Living in California
Living cost indices for California vs national average. Source: BLS / ACCRA 2022
ACCRA Cost of Living Index · Data as of 2022 · Updated annually
149.9
Overall Cost of Living Index
+49.9% above national avg
National average = 100
🏠
237.4
Housing Index
🛒
113.2
Groceries Index
🏥
107.5
Healthcare Index
🚗
131.2
Transportation Index
Cost of Living in California
California has an overall cost of living index of 149.9, which is +49.9% above national avg. Housing is the biggest factor at an index of 237.4 (national average = 100).
The cost of living index compares prices for consumer goods and services across US states. An index above 100 means living costs are higher than the national average; below 100 means lower.
Category Breakdown
- Housing (237.4): Above national average for home prices and rent.
- Groceries (113.2): Food costs are higher than the US average.
- Healthcare (107.5): Medical costs are higher than national norms.
- Transportation (131.2): Gas, insurance, and transit costs are higher than average.
Data Source
Cost of living data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) and ACCRA Cost of Living Index 2022, public data.