F
32%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
68%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Citrus Heights California National
Cost of living132141100
Groceries112111100
Health care118116100
Housing168197100
Transportation115118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115120100
Household Items114111100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Citrus Heights, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Citrus Heights is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Citrus Heights is 132, which is 32% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Citrus Heights is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Citrus Heights falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Citrus Heights cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 68.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Citrus Heights, these items cost 14.1% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Citrus Heights, it's the same story – grocery costs are 12.4% higher than what people pay across the country.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Citrus Heights?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 9 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Citrus Heights and this is how they responded. 56% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 44% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Citrus Heights Affordable?

Is Citrus Heights an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Citrus Heights is 80.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 40.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Citrus Heights has a median household income of $96,983, which is 19.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Citrus Heights?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Citrus Heights, the transportation index is 14.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Citrus Heights, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7.25%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Citrus Heights cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Citrus Heights is 6% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Citrus Heights is 32% higher than the national average
  • Citrus Heights housing is 68% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Citrus Heights

See all the best places to live around Citrus Heights

Compare Citrus Heights, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$122,760$10,230$2,864$3,683
      Renters$80,651$6,721$1,882$2,420
      The affordability of the housing market in Citrus Heights, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Citrus Heights homeowners, the median income is $122,760. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,864 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $80,651. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,882 for their rent related monthly costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fruitridge Pocket, CA5,94011616.0%
      McClellan Park, CA87011716.6%
      North Highlands, CA50,17211918.7%
      Parkway, CA16,88212120.6%
      Florin, CA50,63112222.4%
      Citrus Heights, CA90,37313232.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ogden, UT90,5201011.5%
      Newton, MA90,578207106.6%
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      Newport Beach, CA90,043337237.4%
      Fort Smith, AR90,7248712.8%
      Citrus Heights, CA90,37313232.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.