Cost of Living in Lawndale, CA
Population 31,113 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lawndale's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $726,000 for a typical home, 138% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $83,538 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles north of Torrance, Lawndale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Torrance's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lawndale
The median home value in Lawndale is $726,000 — 138% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,847/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,538/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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, Lawndale has a cost of living index of 199 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 99% 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 Lawndale, CA?
Lawndale has a cost index of 199 (100 = national average). It is 99% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lawndale, CA?
The median gross rent in Lawndale is $1,847 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lawndale?
The median home value in Lawndale is $726,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lawndale?
The median household income in Lawndale is $83,538 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lawndale, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lawndale is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lawndale, CA affordable?
Lawndale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 199 — about 99% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lawndale?
Lawndale 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.
Lawndale at a Glance
- Population
- 31,113
- Median Income
- $83,538
- Home Value
- $726,000
- Median Rent
- $1,847/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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