Hawthorne, CA

Very High · 170

California · Population 85,933 · Updated March 2026

$1,723
Median Rent / Month
$72,719
Median Income
$813,700
Median Home Value
$1,756
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Hawthorne

28.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$20,676
Annual Rent
$9,672
State Income Tax
$5,777
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Hawthorne has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 170 (where 100 equals the national median), Hawthorne residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,723/month while earning a median household income of $72,719/year.

The median home value in Hawthorne, CA is $813,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,756 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 28.4%, Hawthorne falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Hawthorne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Hawthorne

What is the cost of living in Hawthorne, CA?
The cost of living index in Hawthorne, CA is 170 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,723, median household income is $72,719/year, and the median home value is $813,700.
Is Hawthorne, CA affordable?
No, Hawthorne is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 170. The rent-to-income ratio is 28.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Hawthorne, CA?
The median gross rent in Hawthorne, CA is $1,723 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,676.
What is the median household income in Hawthorne?
The median household income in Hawthorne, CA is $72,719 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%.