Cost of Living in South Gate, CA
Population 91,836 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Gate's housing market carries a clear premium over the US median: $609,000 for a typical home, about 100% above the national figure. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles west of Downey, South Gate falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Downey's $729,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Gate
The median home value in South Gate is $608,500 — 100% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,471/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,315/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 74.8°F and lows of 56.8°F. Overall, South Gate has a cost of living index of 164 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% 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 | 68 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 77 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 79 | 73 | 67 |
| Low °F | 49 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 61 | 65 | 65 | 64 | 60 | 53 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.29 | 3.64 | 2.23 | 0.69 | 0.32 | 0.09 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.13 | 0.58 | 0.78 | 2.48 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Gate, CA?
South Gate has a cost index of 164 (100 = national average). It is 64% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Gate, CA?
The median gross rent in South Gate is $1,471 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Gate?
The median home value in South Gate is $608,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Gate?
The median household income in South Gate is $71,315 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Gate, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Gate is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is South Gate, CA affordable?
South Gate is above average in cost of living, with an index of 164 — about 64% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in South Gate?
South Gate has average high temperatures of 74.8°F and average lows of 56.8°F. Annual precipitation is 14.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Gate at a Glance
- Population
- 91,836
- Median Income
- $71,315
- Home Value
- $608,500
- Median Rent
- $1,471/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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