Cost of Living in La Palma, CA
Population 15,375 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
La Palma's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $917,000 for a typical home, 201% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $115,833 that put it in the upper third of the state.
La Palma sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Norwalk — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 49% higher than Norwalk's $617,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Palma
The median home value in La Palma is $916,600 — 201% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,239/month, 70% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,833/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below 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 76.4°F and lows of 56.0°F. Overall, La Palma has a cost of living index of 248 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 148% 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 | 69 | 69 | 71 | 74 | 76 | 79 | 84 | 87 | 85 | 80 | 74 | 68 |
| Low °F | 46 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 58 | 63 | 66 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 51 | 46 |
| Precip" | 2.85 | 3.02 | 1.74 | 0.59 | 0.30 | 0.08 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.14 | 0.50 | 0.74 | 1.86 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in La Palma, CA?
La Palma has a cost index of 248 (100 = national average). It is 148% above the national average.
What is average rent in La Palma, CA?
The median gross rent in La Palma is $2,239 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Palma?
The median home value in La Palma is $916,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in La Palma?
The median household income in La Palma is $115,833 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Palma, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Palma is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is La Palma, CA affordable?
La Palma is above average in cost of living, with an index of 248 — about 148% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in La Palma?
La Palma has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 56.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
La Palma at a Glance
- Population
- 15,375
- Median Income
- $115,833
- Home Value
- $916,600
- Median Rent
- $2,239/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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