South Whittier, CA

Very High · 159

California · Population 55,201 · Updated March 2026

$1,823
Median Rent / Month
$98,974
Median Income
$641,700
Median Home Value
$2,070
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South Whittier

22.1%
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

$21,876
Annual Rent
$13,164
State Income Tax
$4,556
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South Whittier has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 159 (where 100 equals the national median), South Whittier residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,823/month while earning a median household income of $98,974/year.

The median home value in South Whittier, CA is $641,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,070 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% 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 South Whittier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South Whittier

What is the cost of living in South Whittier, CA?
The cost of living index in South Whittier, CA is 159 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,823, median household income is $98,974/year, and the median home value is $641,700.
Is South Whittier, CA affordable?
No, South Whittier is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 159. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in South Whittier, CA?
The median gross rent in South Whittier, CA is $1,823 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,876.
What is the median household income in South Whittier?
The median household income in South Whittier, CA is $98,974 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%.