Cost of Living in West Carson, CA
Population 21,909 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
West Carson's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $647,000 for a typical home, 112% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $95,385 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Geographically, West Carson is part of the immediate Torrance metro area. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Torrance's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Carson
The median home value in West Carson is $647,100 — 112% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,833/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,385/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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, West Carson has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% 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 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 |
| Low °F | 47 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 57 | 51 | 46 |
| Precip" | 3.36 | 3.66 | 1.98 | 0.63 | 0.26 | 0.07 | 0.06 | 0.00 | 0.09 | 0.49 | 0.80 | 2.24 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Carson, CA?
West Carson has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.
What is average rent in West Carson, CA?
The median gross rent in West Carson is $1,833 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Carson?
The median home value in West Carson is $647,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in West Carson?
The median household income in West Carson is $95,385 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Carson, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Carson is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is West Carson, CA affordable?
West Carson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in West Carson?
West Carson 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.
West Carson at a Glance
- Population
- 21,909
- Median Income
- $95,385
- Home Value
- $647,100
- Median Rent
- $1,833/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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