Cost of Living in Carson, CA
Population 93,523 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carson's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $646,000 for a typical home, 112% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $107,391 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Carson sits roughly 6 miles east of Torrance — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Torrance's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carson
The median home value in Carson is $645,600 — 112% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,914/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,391/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Carson has a cost of living index of 185 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 85% 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 | 67 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 |
| Low °F | 47 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 57 | 51 | 46 |
| Precip" | 3.36 | 3.66 | 1.98 | 0.63 | 0.26 | 0.07 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.49 | 0.80 | 2.24 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carson, CA?
Carson has a cost index of 185 (100 = national average). It is 85% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carson, CA?
The median gross rent in Carson is $1,914 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carson?
The median home value in Carson is $645,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carson?
The median household income in Carson is $107,391 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carson, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carson is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Carson, CA affordable?
Carson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 185 — about 85% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carson?
Carson has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carson at a Glance
- Population
- 93,523
- Median Income
- $107,391
- Home Value
- $645,600
- Median Rent
- $1,914/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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