Cost of Living in La Puente, CA

Population 37,404 · California · Data vintage 2023

171
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in La Puente run well above the national baseline, with a median of $593,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $84,811 place the city among the better-paid California metros. At 6.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, La Puente is part of the immediate West Covina metro area. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than West Covina's $712,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 194
Rent 136

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

About the Cost of Living in La Puente

The median home value in La Puente is $593,200 — 94% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,788/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,811/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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%. Overall, La Puente has a cost of living index of 171 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$593,200
94% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$717,098
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,788/mo
36% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.6x
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 60.7%
Renter-occupied 39.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,788
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,402/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
33.7 min
25% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.7%
Carpooled
12.9%
Public transit
2.5%
Walked
2.3%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
4.3%

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
$84,811
14% above avg
Per Capita Income
$26,501
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
29% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Labor Force Participation
63.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.6%
Graduate degree 2.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.9
Male median age 34.5
Female median age 38.6

💨 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 La Puente, CA?

La Puente has a cost index of 171 (100 = national average). It is 71% above the national average.

What is average rent in La Puente, CA?

The median gross rent in La Puente is $1,788 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in La Puente?

The median home value in La Puente is $593,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in La Puente?

The median household income in La Puente is $84,811 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in La Puente, CA?

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

Is La Puente, CA affordable?

La Puente is above average in cost of living, with an index of 171 — about 71% higher than the national average.