La Palma, CA

Very High · 205

California · Population 15,375 · Updated March 2026

$2,239
Median Rent / Month
$115,833
Median Income
$916,600
Median Home Value
$2,273
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in La Palma

23.2%
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

$26,868
Annual Rent
$15,406
State Income Tax
$6,508
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

La Palma has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 205 (where 100 equals the national median), La Palma residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,239/month while earning a median household income of $115,833/year.

The median home value in La Palma, CA is $916,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,273 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.2% 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 La Palma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in La Palma

What is the cost of living in La Palma, CA?
The cost of living index in La Palma, CA is 205 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,239, median household income is $115,833/year, and the median home value is $916,600.
Is La Palma, CA affordable?
No, La Palma is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 205. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in La Palma, CA?
The median gross rent in La Palma, CA is $2,239 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,868.
What is the median household income in La Palma?
The median household income in La Palma, CA is $115,833 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%.