California

California is about 37% more expensive than the national average. Across the 30 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 137, where 100 is the US average.

Typical rent in California averages $2,424 a month across the 30 cities we track as of September 2026, 25% above the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 2nd highest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.

Of the 30 cities we track in California, Bakersfield has the lowest cost of living index at 105. The lowest typical rent is in Chico, at $1,549 a month.

Fresno has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in California, at 145. The highest typical rent is in San Jose, at $3,812 a month.

Regular unleaded averages $5.71 a gallon in California as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 44% above the national average of $3.98. That is the most expensive of 51 states.

Rent in California rose an average of 3.1% over the past year across the 30 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.

Residential electricity in California averages 29.8 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $268.

Full coverage car insurance in California averages $2,520 a year, or about $210 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 10th highest of 51 states.