How Much Does It Cost to Live in Alhambra, CA?

The good news is that Alhambra costs less than many nearby cities. It runs cheaper than San Marino, South Pasadena, and Pasadena while offering the same access to downtown Los Angeles. Median household income here is about $88,024, which is above the national median. That income helps, but it does not fully close the housing gap. This guide breaks down every major expense so you can build a real budget before you move.

Alhambra Cost of Living at a Glance

BestPlaces scores the overall index at 161.7, which places Alhambra well above the United States baseline of 100. Living costs rose about 3 percent from 2025 to 2026.

Housing Costs in Alhambra

Housing is the single biggest line item in any Alhambra budget. About 58 percent of households rent and 42 percent own.

Rent prices

The citywide average apartment rent sits near $2,699 a month. Nearly half of all rentals fall between $2,001 and $2,500. Rents have been flat over the past year, rising less than half a percent.

Home prices

The median list price in early 2026 was near $788,000. Closed sales ran higher, in the $880,000 to $950,000 range. Single-family homes in Alhambra Hills and Lindaraxa Park push past $1,050,000.

Property taxes follow Proposition 13 rules. The base rate is one percent of assessed value plus local assessments. Homeowners with a mortgage paid a median of about $7,456 in property taxes in 2024.

At a $900,000 purchase price with 20 percent down, expect a monthly payment near $5,300 to $5,900 once you add taxes and insurance. That number moves with interest rates.

Utilities and Household Bills

Utility bills are moderate because the climate is mild. Most homes need cooling in summer but little heating in winter.

• Electricity through Southern California Edison: roughly $110 to $180 a month for an apartment, more in July and August
• Natural gas through SoCalGas: roughly $35 to $70 a month
• Water, sewer, and trash through the City of Alhambra: roughly $80 to $130 a month
• Internet: roughly $50 to $90 a month

Summer bills spike. A house with central air can double its electric bill during a heat wave.

Groceries and Food

Grocery costs sit only about 3 percent above the national average. Alhambra has an advantage here that most Los Angeles suburbs do not.

Asian supermarkets keep prices low on produce, rice, noodles, and seafood. Shoppers use 168 Market, Shun Fat, and nearby San Gabriel stores. Costco, Target, and ALDI sit in the retail cluster near Main Street and Palm Avenue. The Sunday farmers market on South Second Street sells fruit, vegetables, herbs, and baked goods.

Budget about $411 a month for one person and $1,336 for a family of four. Eating out is cheap by Los Angeles standards. A bowl of noodles or a plate lunch runs $12 to $18. A sit-down dinner for two runs $50 to $80.

Transportation Costs

Most residents drive. The average household owns two cars, and the average commute is about 30 minutes each way.

Alhambra has no light rail station. Metro bus lines and the Alhambra Community Transit shuttle cover local trips. Many residents drive to the L Line stations in South Pasadena or Highland Park to reach downtown.

Healthcare and Childcare

Healthcare costs sit slightly above average. Alhambra Hospital Medical Center serves the city, and larger facilities in Pasadena and Monterey Park handle specialty care.

Childcare is a major expense for families. Full-time infant care runs roughly $1,300 to $1,900 a month. Preschool runs roughly $1,000 to $1,500. Public school after-care programs cost far less.

Taxes in Alhambra

California income tax is progressive and runs from 1 percent to 13.3 percent. Most middle-income households land in the 6 to 9.3 percent brackets.

The combined sales tax rate in Alhambra is 9.5 percent. Property tax starts at one percent of assessed value under Proposition 13, plus voter-approved bonds and district charges.

Sample Monthly Budgets

These figures assume no childcare and no student loans. Add $1,300 or more per child in daycare if both parents work.

Budget for the Move Itself

Relocation costs belong in your first month budget too. Our moving company keeps that number predictable with hourly rates for local moves and flat rates for anything over 250 miles. A two-mover crew with a truck starts at $139 an hour in cash, and blankets, wardrobe boxes, tape, dollies, and basic insurance are included at no extra cost. There is no deposit and no cancellation fee.