Bell Gardens, CA

Very High · 134

California · Population 38,661 · Updated March 2026

$1,658
Median Rent / Month
$55,372
Median Income
$527,900
Median Home Value
$1,622
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bell Gardens

35.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Burdened
Rent takes more than 35% of median income — considered cost-burdened.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,896
Annual Rent
$7,364
State Income Tax
$3,748
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bell Gardens has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 134 (where 100 equals the national median), Bell Gardens residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,658/month while earning a median household income of $55,372/year.

The median home value in Bell Gardens, CA is $527,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,622 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The 35.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates significant housing cost burden. Residents spend well over a third of their income on rent alone.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Bell Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bell Gardens

What is the cost of living in Bell Gardens, CA?
The cost of living index in Bell Gardens, CA is 134 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,658, median household income is $55,372/year, and the median home value is $527,900.
Is Bell Gardens, CA affordable?
No, Bell Gardens is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 134. The rent-to-income ratio is 35.9%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Bell Gardens, CA?
The median gross rent in Bell Gardens, CA is $1,658 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,896.
What is the median household income in Bell Gardens?
The median household income in Bell Gardens, CA is $55,372 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.