Are you considering a move to the stunning state of California? Well, we understand because the list of all the great reasons to call this state home is a long one. Whether you’re attracted to the warm weather of the southern part of the state or the stunning beauty of the redwoods in the northern part, there is always something for someone. With a wide variety of job opportunities as well as many great things to do in your free time, it’s easy to see why someone would want to move to California. However, when choosing your next home, you have to consider the cost of living in each city.
The cost of living in California is higher than the national average. And depending on where you’re choosing to live, it can be even higher than that. In addition, to be an expensive state already, there are four Californian cities that make it on the list of most expensive cities to live in in the United States.
Before you pack up your stuff and head out west, check out the breakdown of the cost of living in California compared with three of the largest cities in The Golden State. This scale is based on a U.S. average of 100.
Overall
While the overall cost of living in California is quite a bit higher than the United States average, you can still find affordable places to live. Though we are only looking at the three most populous cities in the state, there are many cities throughout that are more affordable places to choose to live.
| Cost of Living | California | San Diego | Los Angeles | San Jose |
| Overall | 149.9 | 160.1 | 173.3 | 214.5 |
| Grocery | 105.1 | 109.7 | 104.1 | 113.7 |
| Health | 92.4 | 89 | 89.4 | 100.5 |
| Housing | 239.1 | 279.1 | 298.2 | 433.9 |
| Utilities | 102.4 | 102.8 | 93.7 | 96.8 |
| Transportation | 133.1 | 120.2 | 165.3 | 151 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.7 | 105.6 | 104.5 | 104.8 |
Housing
Average Monthly Rent by Bedroom Size
When looking at the cost of housing in California, it is important to note where you are moving from and comparing those prices. Because it is important to determine if a move is a good fit for you. When we are comparing prices to the United States average, you can expect to pay more in California. The national average for a one-bedroom apartment is four hundred dollars less per month than the California average.
| California | San Diego | Los Angeles | San Jose | |
| Studio | $1,156 | $1,449 | $1,293 | $1,927 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,358 | $1,621 | $1,545 | $2,286 |
Median Home Prices
When comparing these numbers to the United States, the national average of a home is $231,200.
| California | San Diego | Los Angeles | San Jose | |
| Home price | $552,800 | $645,300 | $689,500 | $1,003,100 |
| Monthly mortgage + interest for 30-year loan | $2,614 | $3,051 | $3,260 | $4,743 |
Transportation
| California | San Diego | Los Angeles | San Jose | |
| Gas (per gallon) | $4.32 | $4.26 | $4.07 | $4.38 |
| Monthly public transit pass | N/A | $72-$100 | $100 | $90 |
Entertainment
| San Diego | Los Angeles | San Jose | |
| Movie ticket | $15.49 | $13.69 | $16.25 |
| Bowling game | $5.00 | $7.00 | $5.50 |
| NFL Game | N/A | $92.50 | N/A |
| MLB Game | $81 | $38.32 | N/A |
| NBA Game | N/A | $148 | N/A |
| MLS Game | N/A | $50.50 | $48 |
With the cost of living being so high in California, it can be a bit daunting. Especially since so many of the larger cities in the state are some of the most expensive in the country. But there are plenty of benefits to choosing to live in The Golden State too. Above all, what is your experience with living in these cities with the high cost of living? As well as what keeps you in the area? Let us know in the comments.
While you’re here be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, like the one about the most affordable places to live in California. And if you’re considering a move to this amazing state, then you can be sure to find your next dream apartment here.
source: https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/california
