F
190%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
597%
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 Hermosa Beach California National
Cost of living290141100
Groceries109111100
Health care114116100
Housing697197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare131127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hermosa Beach, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hermosa Beach 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 Hermosa Beach is 290, which is 190% 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 you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Hermosa Beach may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Hermosa Beach falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Hermosa Beach 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 597.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hermosa Beach?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Hermosa Beach and this is how they responded. 20% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 80% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Hermosa Beach Affordable?

Is Hermosa Beach 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 Hermosa Beach is 795.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 135.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hermosa Beach has a median household income of $211,942, which is 160.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hermosa Beach?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Hermosa Beach starts at 7.25% and the income tax rates start at 1%.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Hermosa Beach, the groceries index is 8.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hermosa Beach 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 Hermosa Beach is 106% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Hermosa Beach is 190% higher than the national average
  • Hermosa Beach housing is 597% 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 Hermosa Beach

See all the best places to live around Hermosa Beach

Compare Hermosa Beach, 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$283,169$23,597$6,607$8,496
      Renters$187,549$15,629$4,376$5,627
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Hermosa Beach, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Hermosa Beach homeowners, is $283,169. This would allow for a maximum of $6,607 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $187,549 which would result in a maximum of $4,376 to be spent on rental 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.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Rolling Hills CDP, CA85513333.4%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Hermosa Beach, CA19,749290190.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North Liberty, IA19,7491044.4%
      Mineola, NY19,74815454.1%
      Erlanger, KY19,751918.9%
      Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC19,745n/a 
      Phelan, CA19,73912222.1%
      Hermosa Beach, CA19,749290190.4%
      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.