Cost of Living in Bell, CA
Population 32,830 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Bell is priced well above national norms — a median of $561,000, roughly 84% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that California. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Bell is part of the immediate East Los Angeles metro area. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than East Los Angeles' $614,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bell
The median home value in Bell is $561,400 — 84% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,538/month, 17% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,641/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 74.8°F and lows of 56.8°F. Overall, Bell has a cost of living index of 157 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 68 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 77 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 79 | 73 | 67 |
| Low °F | 49 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 61 | 65 | 65 | 64 | 60 | 53 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.29 | 3.64 | 2.23 | 0.69 | 0.32 | 0.09 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.13 | 0.58 | 0.78 | 2.48 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bell, CA?
Bell has a cost index of 157 (100 = national average). It is 57% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bell, CA?
The median gross rent in Bell is $1,538 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bell?
The median home value in Bell is $561,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bell?
The median household income in Bell is $60,641 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bell, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bell is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Bell, CA affordable?
Bell is above average in cost of living, with an index of 157 — about 57% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bell?
Bell has average high temperatures of 74.8°F and average lows of 56.8°F. Annual precipitation is 14.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bell at a Glance
- Population
- 32,830
- Median Income
- $60,641
- Home Value
- $561,400
- Median Rent
- $1,538/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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