Cost of Living in Walnut, CA

Population 27,857 · California · Data vintage 2023

286
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Walnut sits 219% above the national median — $973,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $133,762 (79% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Walnut is part of the immediate West Covina metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% higher than West Covina's $712,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 319
Rent 237

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

About the Cost of Living in Walnut

The median home value in Walnut is $972,500 — 219% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,120/month, 137% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $133,762/year is 79% 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%. Overall, Walnut has a cost of living index of 286 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 186% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$972,500
219% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,179,100
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,120/mo
137% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,765/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.0x
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 82.7%
Renter-occupied 17.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,120
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,734/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
37.4 min
39% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.0%
Carpooled
9.0%
Public transit
2.4%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
18.4%

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
$133,762
79% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,555
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
25% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.2%
Graduate degree 18.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.4
Male median age 44.9
Female median age 47.9

💨 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 Walnut, CA?

Walnut has a cost index of 286 (100 = national average). It is 186% above the national average.

What is average rent in Walnut, CA?

The median gross rent in Walnut is $3,120 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Walnut?

The median home value in Walnut is $972,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Walnut?

The median household income in Walnut is $133,762 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Walnut, CA?

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

Is Walnut, CA affordable?

Walnut is above average in cost of living, with an index of 286 — about 186% higher than the national average.