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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,082 (excluding rent), and $3,218 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,688 (excluding rent), and $6,157 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.8 $14.8

$12.82 $12.82

$24.66 $24.66

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.8 $65.8

$50.6 $50.6

$121 $121

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.06 $12.06

$11.56 $11.56

$13.07 $13.07

Cappuccino

$4.67 $4.67

$3.9 $3.9

$5.85 $5.85

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

$3.35 $3.35

$2.48 $2.48

$3.97 $3.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.31 $2.31

$1.98 $1.98

$2.98 $2.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.78 $7.78

$4.86 $4.86

$11.67 $11.67

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.98 $7.98

$6.98 $6.98

$9.97 $9.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.21 $1.21

$1.03 $1.03

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$4.07 $4.07

$3.26 $3.26

$4.34 $4.34

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.3 $3.3

$1.94 $1.94

$5.78 $5.78

Eggs

$5.22 $5.22

$3.48 $3.48

$6.96 $6.96

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.56 $12.56

$8.87 $8.87

$15.51 $15.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.48 $11.48

$3.95 $3.95

$19.6 $19.6

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$24.46 $24.46

$15.22 $15.22

$33.71 $33.71

Apples (1kg)

$4.58 $4.58

$2.94 $2.94

$6.48 $6.48

Banana (1kg)

$2.79 $2.79

$2.16 $2.16

$3.25 $3.25

Oranges (1kg)

$5.91 $5.91

$4.28 $4.28

$8.57 $8.57

Tomato (1kg)

$4.76 $4.76

$4.46 $4.46

$5.06 $5.06

Potato (1kg)

$3.98 $3.98

$2.26 $2.26

$5.14 $5.14

Onion (1kg)

$3.63 $3.63

$3.05 $3.05

$4.49 $4.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.54 $1.54

$3.07 $3.07

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.44 $3.44

$1.96 $1.96

$4.91 $4.91

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.83 $9.83

$7.87 $7.87

$11.8 $11.8

Wine (Bottle)

$11.77 $11.77

$9.8 $9.8

$24.51 $24.51

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.77 $1.77

$2.92 $2.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.96 $7.96

$1.59 $1.59

$7.96 $7.96

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.27 $1.27

$1.52 $1.52

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$3.02 $3.02

$5.03 $5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.57 $1.57

$2.2 $2.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.78 $28.78

$26.03 $26.03

$34.5 $34.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.18 $1.18

$1.35 $1.35

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

$28.5K $28.5K

$24.1K $24.1K

$36.7K $36.7K

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

$23.7K $23.7K

$26.7K $26.7K

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

$238 $238

$166 $166

$407 $407

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

$88 $88

$80.5 $80.5

$95.5 $95.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70 $70

$60 $60

$100 $100

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$57.1 $57.1

$49.64 $49.64

$64.5 $64.5

Cinema Ticket

$12.09 $12.09

$15.12 $15.12

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

$1,529 $1,529

$1,019 $1,019

$1,882 $1,882

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.51 $49.51

$39.87 $39.87

$54.8 $54.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.41 $38.41

$25.27 $25.27

$65.7 $65.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.8 $97.8

$70.8 $70.8

$121 $121

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$133 $133

$118 $118

$148 $148

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,144 $2,144

$1,979 $1,979

$2,474 $2,474

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,837 $1,837

$1,573 $1,573

$2,163 $2,163

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,386 $3,386

$2,966 $2,966

$3,955 $3,955

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,156 $3,156

$2,585 $2,585

$3,479 $3,479

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,520 $3,520

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,212 $3,212

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,951 $4,951

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.36

6.19

6.7

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Davis, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Davis, CA tends to offer a balanced mix of value and quality, especially if you prioritize a walkable, bike-friendly setup and a stable daily routine. Cost of Living in Davis, CA, United States reflects a campus-driven economy with practical options for housing, groceries, and dining. You will find lower-cost meals at farmers markets and affordable student housing in shared groups, though downtown and campus-adjacent areas can push rents higher. Public transit and cycling keep everyday costs reasonable while keeping you connected to Sacramento and the Bay Area for occasional excursions. Tip: Build a simple monthly plan that tracks rent, groceries, and transit to see how you fit your travel or work schedule.

Daily life in Davis, CA centers on a bike-friendly rhythm, with housing options clustered around campus or downtown. When you search, focus on proximity to UC Davis and main transit lines, and consider utilities like internet and heating in your monthly budget. Food options span farmers markets, local grocers, and casual eateries; seasonal produce is a big plus for home cooking. For getting around, biking and campus shuttles are efficient and affordable choices, with occasional rides to Sacramento. Co-working spaces and libraries support remote work or study close to home. Davis, CA, United States living cost varies by neighborhood; plan for commute needs. Tip: Map a commute plan that centers on bike routes and nearby coworking spots to keep daily costs predictable.

Quality of life in Davis, CA hinges on a balance between campus energy and a relaxed, small-town feel. Build a simple budgeting framework: categorize essentials (housing, food, transit) and discretionary spending, then review monthly and adjust. Seasonality matters: summers are lively with outdoor events and farmers markets; winters bring rain but still active community programs. For neighborhood fit, consider proximity to bike lanes, shade, parks, and local cafes – Central, East, and North Davis each offer a distinct vibe. If you are new, spend a weekend exploring and talking to residents to sense the pace. Tip: Try a one-month trial stay in a chosen area before committing.