Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024Composite cost of living index (U.S. average = 100).
Cost of Living Index
How expensive California is overall.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
Cost of living index
2010–2024Composite cost of living index (U.S. average = 100).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 110.7 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Housing component of the cost of living.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 154.3 | 100 |
| Median home value2024 | $786,000 | $348,000 |
| Median monthly rent2023, U.S. Census ACS | $1,980 | $1,486 |
Utility Costs
Cost of utilities in California.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (LA area)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS49A72610).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 158.9 | 100 |
| Avg. electricity bill2023, EIA | $145 /mo | $137 /mo |
Food Costs
Cost of food and groceries in California.
Food price index (LA area)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, annual average (CUURS49ASAF1).
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 106.1 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Cost of healthcare in California.
Medical care price index (LA area)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, annual average (CUURS49ASAM).
Transportation Costs
Cost of transportation and fuel in California.
Regular gasoline price
2001–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, California, annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_SCA_DPG).
Regular gasoline price (LA area)
1978–2025BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS49A74714).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $6.23 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |