Cost of Living in Hermosa Beach, CA

Population 19,248 · California · Data vintage 2023

479
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Hermosa Beach's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $2 million sit roughly 7 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.

Located <5 miles northwest of Torrance, Hermosa Beach falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 93% higher than Torrance's $1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 214

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

About the Cost of Living in Hermosa Beach

The median home value in Hermosa Beach is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,812/month, 114% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $152,019/year is 104% 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%. The climate averages highs of 70.6°F and lows of 56.6°F. Overall, Hermosa Beach has a cost of living index of 479 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 379% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$2,215,896
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,812/mo
114% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,744/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
59.3x
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 50.7%
Renter-occupied 49.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,812
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,426/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
31.9 min
18% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.1%
Carpooled
5.4%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
2.3%
Bicycle
2.1%
Work from home
31.4%

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
$152,019
104% above avg
Per Capita Income
$110,660
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
17% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
Labor Force Participation
70.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 45.0%
Graduate degree 31.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.1
Male median age 42.2
Female median age 41.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.6°F
Avg Low
56.6°F
Annual Precip
12.2"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 666666687072757777747166
Low °F 495052545861646564605449
Precip" 2.862.991.730.600.280.080.040.000.110.490.822.23

💨 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 Hermosa Beach, CA?

Hermosa Beach has a cost index of 479 (100 = national average). It is 379% above the national average.

What is average rent in Hermosa Beach, CA?

The median gross rent in Hermosa Beach is $2,812 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hermosa Beach?

The median home value in Hermosa Beach is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hermosa Beach?

The median household income in Hermosa Beach is $152,019 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hermosa Beach, CA?

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

Is Hermosa Beach, CA affordable?

Hermosa Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 479 — about 379% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Hermosa Beach?

Hermosa Beach has average high temperatures of 70.6°F and average lows of 56.6°F. Annual precipitation is 12.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Hermosa Beach at a Glance

Population
19,248
Median Income
$152,019
Home Value
$2,000,001
Median Rent
$2,812/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
70.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data