Cost of Living in California, MD

With a cost of living index of 118, California, MD is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 18% more expensive than the national average and in line with the Maryland state average. California is a smaller community of 13,223 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in California's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,805 (37% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $337,900 (11% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in California is $112,717, which is 50% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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 more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to California. The area sees an average annual temperature of 58.3°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 39°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches spread over roughly 118 days.

Everyday prices in the Lexington Park, MD (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.