Carson, CA

Very High · 160

California · Population 93,523 · Updated March 2026

$1,914
Median Rent / Month
$107,391
Median Income
$645,600
Median Home Value
$1,981
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Carson

21.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$22,968
Annual Rent
$14,283
State Income Tax
$4,584
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Carson has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 160 (where 100 equals the national median), Carson residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,914/month while earning a median household income of $107,391/year.

The median home value in Carson, CA is $645,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,981 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Carson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Carson

What is the cost of living in Carson, CA?
The cost of living index in Carson, CA is 160 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,914, median household income is $107,391/year, and the median home value is $645,600.
Is Carson, CA affordable?
No, Carson is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 160. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Carson, CA?
The median gross rent in Carson, CA is $1,914 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,968.
What is the median household income in Carson?
The median household income in Carson, CA is $107,391 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%.