Cost of Living in Torrance, CA

Population 143,499 · California · Data vintage 2023

271
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Torrance sits 240% above the national median — $1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $113,105 (52% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Cost Overview

Housing 340
Rent 168

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

About the Cost of Living in Torrance

The median home value in Torrance is $1,036,600 — 240% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,214/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,105/year is 52% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Torrance has a cost of living index of 271 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 171% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,036,600
240% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,103,722
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,214/mo
68% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,851/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.0x
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 54.6%
Renter-occupied 45.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,214
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,828/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
30.0 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.2%
Carpooled
6.2%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
18.5%

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
$113,105
52% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,392
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
15% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
Labor Force Participation
64.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.2%
Graduate degree 18.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 40.9
Female median age 45.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.9°F
Avg Low
54.1°F
Annual Precip
13.6"
Annual Snowfall
0"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 676668707274777878767166
Low °F 474850525559626261575146
Precip" 3.363.661.980.630.260.070.060.000.090.490.802.24

💨 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 Torrance, CA?

Torrance has a cost index of 271 (100 = national average). It is 171% above the national average.

What is average rent in Torrance, CA?

The median gross rent in Torrance is $2,214 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Torrance?

The median home value in Torrance is $1,036,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Torrance?

The median household income in Torrance is $113,105 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Torrance, CA?

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

Is Torrance, CA affordable?

Torrance is above average in cost of living, with an index of 271 — about 171% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Torrance?

Torrance has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Torrance at a Glance

Population
143,499
Median Income
$113,105
Home Value
$1,036,600
Median Rent
$2,214/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
71.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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