Cost of Living in Hawthorne, CA

Population 85,933 · California · Data vintage 2023

213
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

$814,000 is the going rate for a typical Hawthorne home, 167% over the national median. Rents of $1,723/month track the same premium. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located <5 miles south of Inglewood, Hawthorne falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Inglewood's $744,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 267
Rent 131

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Hawthorne

The median home value in Hawthorne is $813,700 — 167% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,723/month, 31% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,719/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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, Hawthorne has a cost of living index of 213 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 113% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$813,700
167% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$874,009
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,723/mo
31% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,986/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 27.5%
Renter-occupied 72.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,723
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,337/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
31.5 min
17% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.3%
Carpooled
10.5%
Public transit
4.0%
Walked
1.6%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
9.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$72,719
2% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,651
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
63% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Labor Force Participation
68.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.0%
Graduate degree 7.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.6
Male median age 33.2
Female median age 34

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.0°F
Avg Low
57.0°F
Annual Precip
11.8"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 676768707173777979767266
Low °F 495153555862656565605449
Precip" 2.672.961.670.600.290.000.020.000.170.480.722.19

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hawthorne, CA?

Hawthorne has a cost index of 213 (100 = national average). It is 113% above the national average.

What is average rent in Hawthorne, CA?

The median gross rent in Hawthorne is $1,723 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hawthorne?

The median home value in Hawthorne is $813,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hawthorne?

The median household income in Hawthorne is $72,719 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hawthorne, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hawthorne is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Hawthorne, CA affordable?

Hawthorne is above average in cost of living, with an index of 213 — about 113% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Hawthorne?

Hawthorne 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.

Hawthorne at a Glance

Population
85,933
Median Income
$72,719
Home Value
$813,700
Median Rent
$1,723/mo
Unemployment
7.8%
Avg High Temp
72.0°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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