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Cost of Living in California

California, Maryland, United States · Population 13,136

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in California

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in California is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare California

California vs New YorkCalifornia vs Los AngelesCalifornia vs ChicagoCalifornia vs MiamiCalifornia vs HoustonCalifornia vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Lexington Park

7 km away · Maryland

Chesapeake Ranch Estates

10 km away · Maryland

Cambridge

46 km away · Maryland

La Plata

49 km away · Maryland

Waldorf

51 km away · Maryland

Brandywine

56 km away · Maryland

Bensville

57 km away · Maryland

Marlton

58 km away · Maryland

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in California

California is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in California is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in California including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in California?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in California with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in California is $3,510.
How much is rent in California?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is California cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — California is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in California?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in California. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in California compare?
A monthly public transport pass in California is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for California are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 13,136). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.