Cost of Living in Alhambra, CA
Population 81,483 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Alhambra run well above the national baseline, with a median of $813,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $85,189 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Alhambra is part of the immediate East Los Angeles metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than East Los Angeles' $614,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alhambra
The median home value in Alhambra is $812,700 — 166% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,852/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,189/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Alhambra has a cost of living index of 216 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 116% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alhambra, CA?
Alhambra has a cost index of 216 (100 = national average). It is 116% above the national average.
What is average rent in Alhambra, CA?
The median gross rent in Alhambra is $1,852 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alhambra?
The median home value in Alhambra is $812,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alhambra?
The median household income in Alhambra is $85,189 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alhambra, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alhambra is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Alhambra, CA affordable?
Alhambra is above average in cost of living, with an index of 216 — about 116% higher than the national average.
Alhambra at a Glance
- Population
- 81,483
- Median Income
- $85,189
- Home Value
- $812,700
- Median Rent
- $1,852/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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