Cost of Living in Cathedral City, CA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Cathedral City, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Cathedral City? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Cathedral City stands at 124, making it 24% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Cathedral City may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Cathedral City falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Cathedral City cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 53.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Recurring essentials like haircuts, toothpaste, and entertainment, from movies to gym sessions, can really add up in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. In Cathedral City, you you will have to spend 12% more than average when compared to the typical prices for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Cathedral City, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.1% higher than the national average.

Is Cathedral City Affordable?

Is Cathedral City affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Cathedral City, for instance, where the median home price falls 63.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 30.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Cathedral City flaunting a median household income of $50,350, 9% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cathedral City?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Cathedral City, the groceries index is 13.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Cathedral City, the housing index stands at 53.9% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Cathedral City, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.