Cost of Living in Willowbrook, CA

Population 21,642 · California · Data vintage 2023

148
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

A 35-minute average commute puts Willowbrook squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $511,000 reflect that spatial discount. At 13.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Willowbrook sits roughly 6 miles west of Downey — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Downey's $729,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 168
Rent 118

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

About the Cost of Living in Willowbrook

The median home value in Willowbrook is $511,100 — 68% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,549/month, 18% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,386/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.1%, 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 72.0°F and lows of 57.0°F. Overall, Willowbrook has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$511,100
68% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$647,800
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,549/mo
18% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.5x
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 40.5%
Renter-occupied 59.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,549
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,163/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
35.3 min
31% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.5%
Carpooled
14.0%
Public transit
3.1%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
8.7%

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
$60,386
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,983
Unemployment Rate
13.1%
173% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
Labor Force Participation
61.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.8%
Graduate degree 2.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.8
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 32.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.0°F
Avg Low
57.0°F
Annual Precip
11.8"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 676768707173777979767266
Low °F 495153555862656565605449
Precip" 2.672.961.670.600.290.000.020.000.170.480.722.19

💨 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 Willowbrook, CA?

Willowbrook has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.

What is average rent in Willowbrook, CA?

The median gross rent in Willowbrook is $1,549 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Willowbrook?

The median home value in Willowbrook is $511,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Willowbrook?

The median household income in Willowbrook is $60,386 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Willowbrook, CA?

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

Is Willowbrook, CA affordable?

Willowbrook is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Willowbrook?

Willowbrook 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.

Willowbrook at a Glance

Population
21,642
Median Income
$60,386
Home Value
$511,100
Median Rent
$1,549/mo
Unemployment
13.1%
Avg High Temp
72.0°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs