Cost of Living in Compton, CA
Population 93,525 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Compton's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $74,270 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Compton sits roughly 6 miles southwest of Downey. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Downey's $729,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Compton
The median home value in Compton is $546,700 — 79% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,601/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,270/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 57.0°F. Overall, Compton has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 71 | 73 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 76 | 72 | 66 |
| Low °F | 49 | 51 | 53 | 55 | 58 | 62 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 60 | 54 | 49 |
| Precip" | 2.67 | 2.96 | 1.67 | 0.60 | 0.29 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.17 | 0.48 | 0.72 | 2.19 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Compton, CA?
Compton has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.
What is average rent in Compton, CA?
The median gross rent in Compton is $1,601 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Compton?
The median home value in Compton is $546,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Compton?
The median household income in Compton is $74,270 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Compton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Compton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Compton, CA affordable?
Compton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Compton?
Compton has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 57.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Compton at a Glance
- Population
- 93,525
- Median Income
- $74,270
- Home Value
- $546,700
- Median Rent
- $1,601/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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