Cost of Living in Paramount, CA

With a cost of living index of 135, Paramount, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 35% more expensive than the national average and 9% below the California state average of 144. With a population of 52,546, Paramount is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Paramount's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,772 (34% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $500,400 (64% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Paramount is $70,912, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 30% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Paramount. The area sees an average annual temperature of 64.9°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 57°F. Annual rainfall totals 12 inches spread over roughly 35 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.