Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in California, USA in 2025
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Cost of living in California, USA, in 2025, is comparatively higher than the entire national average, with the overall cost of living index around 45% higher. The monthly expense for a single person in California can range from $1,800 to $5,000 or more depending on your lifestyle.
Let's navigate through the financial landscape by understanding the California price of living to help you prepare for your exciting journey ahead.
What are the Average Living Expenses in California, USA in 2025?
The California living expense is USD 4,500 per month. As the most populous state in the U.S., California boasts a population of 39.2 million and hosts the largest economy in the nation. With a best place cost of living score of 142.2, the cost of living in California surpasses the national average by 42%.
Let us take a closer look at the breakdown of expenses demographically:
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Family of Four: Average monthly cost is about $6,699 (~INR 5,56,689).
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Single Person: Average monthly cost is about $4,176 (~INR 3,47,027).
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Recommended annual income for comfortable living:
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Family: $140,400
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Individual: $69,200
Also Read: Cost of Study in USA for Indian Students
Breakdown of Cost of Living in California, USA (2025)
California's price of living depends on the area you intend to live in and your specific circumstances. For your reference, we have given a breakdown of living expenses in California, USA, covering housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and more
California Living Expense: Housing & Utility (2025)
Living expenses in California do come with a hefty price tag, and utility bills are no exception. Finding housing under $1,000 a month in California can be quite a challenge, especially considering the state's vast housing market of over 14 million units.
Below, we've outlined the detailed breakdown of housing and utility costs in California.
|
Expense |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Water |
77 |
6,399 |
|
Electricity |
155–160 |
12,891–13,296 |
|
Gas |
34–57 |
2,825–4,737 |
|
Internet (8 Mbps or higher) |
40–82 |
3,324–6,814 |
|
Monthly rent (furnished apartment) |
1,785 |
1,48,334 |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom, city center) |
2,480 |
2,06,112 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms, city center) |
4,714 |
3,91,750 |
Explore: Average Cost of Living in USA for Students & Immigrants
California Living Expenses: Transportation (2025)
Public transportation is cheaper and available throughout California, but prices differ depending on the location. For instance, a monthly transit pass in LA is priced at $50, reduced from the regular $83 fare. On the other hand, the life expenses in California associated with owning a personal vehicle are relatively higher
|
Transport Expense |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.25 |
187 |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
52 |
4,321 |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.25 |
270 |
|
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) |
2.10 |
174 |
|
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
30 |
2,493 |
|
Gasoline (1 liter) |
1.39 |
115 |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L 97kW Comfort (New Car) |
28,000 |
2,32,6800 |
California Living Expenses: Grocery & Eating Out
California's average expenditure per person amounts to $4,200 per year, equivalent to $350 per person per month. For an average family of four, this could mean a monthly grocery bill of $1,288.
In the following table, you will find a breakdown of expenses.
|
Item |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Milk (regular, 1 liter) |
1.40 |
120 |
|
White Bread (500g) |
5.50 |
473 |
|
Rice (1kg) |
6.10 |
525 |
|
Eggs (12) |
5.85 |
504 |
|
Local Cheese (1kg) |
15.00 |
1,290 |
|
Fruits (assorted, 1kg) |
12.00 |
1,032 |
|
Vegetables (assorted, 1kg) |
13.50 |
1,161 |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.40 |
206 |
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
27.00 |
2,322 |
|
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
130.00 |
11,180 |
|
McMeal at McDonald's |
13.00 |
1,118 |
Also Read: USA vs Canada: A Comprehensive Comparative Exploration in 2025
California Living Expenses: Annual Healthcare Cost (2025)
The cost of life in California regarding Healthcare can vary based on factors such as your health insurance coverage, demographics (age, location), and overall health condition. Here is an estimate of healthcare expenses
|
Living Expenses |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Couple (both working) |
7,020 |
5,83,362 |
|
Couple (both working) with a single child |
9,500 |
7,90,450 |
|
Couple (both working) with two children |
9,420 |
7,83,702 |
|
Couple (two people) |
7,020 |
5,83,362 |
|
Couple with a single child |
9,500 |
7,90,450 |
|
Couple with two children |
9,420 |
7,83,702 |
|
Single Person |
3,150 |
2,61,765 |
Cost of Living in California Cities in the USA (2025)
When it comes to the cost of living in California, it is important to note that the expenses tend to differ from city to city. Below, we have compiled a list of the top three cities that are highly preferred by most professionals and students alike.
1. Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse culture and entertainment scene. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Los Angeles that will help you in budgeting and planning for a fulfilling life in this iconic Californian metropolis.
|
Expense Category |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Monthly Transit Pass |
50 (Metro/AVTA) |
4,155 |
|
(Regular price: $100) |
(8,310) |
|
|
Apartment Rental Charges |
2,480 |
2,06,072 |
|
Grocery Cost (basic monthly) |
111 |
9,238 |
2. Cost of Living in San Francisco
Although the cost of living in San Francisco is higher by 79% than that of the national average, there is still a reasonable cost of living if you stick to a budget. The estimated cost analysis is shown in the following table.
|
Expense Category |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Monthly Transit Pass |
86 (Muni) |
7,146 |
|
104 (Muni+BART) |
8,642 |
|
|
Grocery Cost (basic monthly) |
131 |
10,884 |
|
Apartment Rental Charges (1BR, city center) |
3,121 |
2,59,305 |
3. Cost of Living in San Diego
Living expenses in San Diego, CA surpass the state average by 3% and the national average by 42%. Housing costs in San Diego, CA are notably 116% higher than the national average, while utilities are approximately 6% more expensive.
|
Expense Category |
Cost in USD |
Cost in INR |
|
Monthly Transit Pass |
72 |
5,998 |
|
Apartment Rental Charges |
2,910 – 4,439 |
2,42,482 – 3,69,890 |
|
Grocery Cost (monthly) |
150 |
12,495 |
Navigating California’s Cost of Living with GetGIS
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of the cost of living in California is essential for anyone considering a move to the USA. From housing expenses in bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to the nuances of utility bills and transportation costs, managing finances in California requires careful planning and budgeting.
With the right guidance and support, such as that offered by GetGIS for study abroad services and more, budgeting and careful planning of student visas becomes more manageable. Whether you're a student pursuing higher education opportunities, a professional seeking job prospects, or an individual embarking on a new adventure, GetGIS can provide invaluable assistance every step of the way.
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A Complete Guide on Average Cost of Living in Adelaide, Australia in 2025
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Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students & Families in 2025
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