Cost of Living in Atascadero, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,128 (excluding rent), and $2,746 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,660 (excluding rent), and $5,142 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.61 $19.61

$14.71 $14.71

$24.51 $24.51

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.7 $78.7

$34.43 $34.43

$98.4 $98.4

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.58 $9.58

$6.05 $6.05

$16.13 $16.13

Cappuccino

$5.73 $5.73

$3.57 $3.57

$8.16 $8.16

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.72 $2.72

$1.97 $1.97

$2.95 $2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.99 $1.99

$2.98 $2.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.83 $6.83

$4.88 $4.88

$7.81 $7.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.04 $5.04

$9.08 $9.08

Milk (1 liter)

$1.12 $1.12

$0.81 $0.81

$1.41 $1.41

White Bread (500g)

$4.3 $4.3

$2.14 $2.14

$6.46 $6.46

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.37 $5.37

$4.31 $4.31

$15.07 $15.07

Eggs

$6.1 $6.1

$2.03 $2.03

$6.1 $6.1

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.7 $15.7

$51.6 $51.6

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.55 $10.55

$8.87 $8.87

$44.43 $44.43

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.68 $15.68

$14.02 $14.02

$40.35 $40.35

Apples (1kg)

$3.36 $3.36

$2.58 $2.58

$21.5 $21.5

Banana (1kg)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.48 $1.48

$8.58 $8.58

Oranges (1kg)

$3.19 $3.19

$8.59 $8.59

Tomato (1kg)

$3.27 $3.27

$2.16 $2.16

$8.74 $8.74

Potato (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$6.8 $6.8

Onion (1kg)

$2.87 $2.87

$6.66 $6.66

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.1 $2.1

$1.47 $1.47

$4.89 $4.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$3.42 $3.42

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.77 $10.77

$9.75 $9.75

$17.68 $17.68

Wine (Bottle)

$16.66 $16.66

$9.81 $9.81

$29.42 $29.42

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.74 $1.74

$1.68 $1.68

$4.18 $4.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.81 $2.81

$2.05 $2.05

$4.09 $4.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$45.33 $45.33

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.53 $6.53

$4.52 $4.52

$8.04 $8.04

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.04 $2.04

$2.51 $2.51

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$38.11 $38.11

$25.41 $25.41

$50.8 $50.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.16 $1.16

$1.66 $1.66

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.7K $23.7K

$37.7K $37.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$28.2K $28.2K

$25.5K $25.5K

$44.8K $44.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$258 $258

$152 $152

$606 $606

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$47.53 $47.53

$25.37 $25.37

$66 $66

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.7 $68.7

$39.24 $39.24

$88.3 $88.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.33 $43.33

$17.63 $17.63

$50.4 $50.4

Cinema Ticket

$12.16 $12.16

$9.93 $9.93

$19.86 $19.86

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,327 $2,327

$2,023 $2,023

$2,630 $2,630

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$34.4K $34.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$64.6 $64.6

$25.48 $25.48

$76.5 $76.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.3 $50.3

$75.5 $75.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79 $79

$59.3 $59.3

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$111 $111

$95.7 $95.7

$141 $141

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,579 $1,579

$1,183 $1,183

$1,830 $1,830

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,368 $1,368

$1,011 $1,011

$1,516 $1,516

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,702 $2,702

$2,456 $2,456

$2,948 $2,948

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,191 $2,191

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,638 $2,638

$1,884 $1,884

$2,638 $2,638

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,524 $2,524

$1,952 $1,952

$2,524 $2,524

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

6.19

7.65

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Atascadero, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Atascadero offers a practical balance of small-town charm and access to larger California amenities, making it a comfortable base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The overall cost of living tends to be friendlier than bigger coastal cities, with relatively approachable housing options and a steady, predictable routine for daily life. Local groceries, casual dining, and transit can fit a modest budget when you prioritize neighborhood markets and flexible leases. A mild climate and walkable streets boost convenience and reduce daily transport costs. Cost of Living in Atascadero, CA, United States compares well for those seeking value. Tip: Explore neighborhoods on foot and test a few apartment options before booking.

Expect a relaxed pace for daily errands, with a few well-stocked groceries, farmers markets, and independent cafes within easy reach. Housing search favors longer leases in quieter neighborhoods or affordable duplexes near scenic trails, while co-working spaces can be found for collaborative work. Public transit links and bike-friendly streets help you move between neighborhoods without heavy reliance on a car. Food options range from casual eateries to farmers markets that emphasize local produce. When budgeting, compare different areas and plan around weekends when small events or markets draw crowds. Atascadero, CA, United States living cost offers a stable baseline for a longer stay. Tip: Check furnished options and plan a flexible lease to adapt to project timelines.

Quality of life in Atascadero blends outdoor access, safety, and a friendly community feel, making it appealing for long stays. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: estimate transport, groceries, and housing as core categories, then leave room for occasional dining out and activities. Neighborhoods vary in pace: the downtown area offers easy access to shops and events, while hillside or suburban pockets provide more space and quiet. Seasonality matters less for price swings than for crowds at local vineyards, markets, and parks; plan weekends around outdoor activities. Tip: test a few different routes for commutes and keep a small buffer for utilities and maintenance.