Cost of Living in Sierra Madre, CA

With a cost of living index of 200, Sierra Madre, CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 100% more expensive than the national average and 56% above the California state average of 144. Sierra Madre is a smaller community of 11,020 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sierra Madre's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,086 (58% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,172,200 (284% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Sierra Madre is $141,094, which is 88% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Sierra Madre. The area sees an average annual temperature of 65.8°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 58°F. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches spread over roughly 34 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.