California's cost of living index is 142 — 42.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
142
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+42.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$91,905
California median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$64,722
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 142 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +42.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $91,905 | California median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $64,722 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 39,538,223 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 142, California is 42% above the national average. Higher costs in California mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $91,905 in California provides the equivalent purchasing power of $64,722 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.California's median home price of $793,600 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (13.3% top rate in California), sales tax (7.25% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.71%).
