Cost of Living in El Cerrito, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,291 (excluding rent), and $3,323 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,556 (excluding rent), and $6,590 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.56 $20.56

$15.05 $15.05

$45.14 $45.14

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 $101

$60.3 $60.3

$201 $201

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$14.72 $14.72

$9.81 $9.81

$14.72 $14.72

Cappuccino

$5.68 $5.68

$3.91 $3.91

$7.81 $7.81

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

$3.18 $3.18

$1.94 $1.94

$4.86 $4.86

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 $2.47

$2.03 $2.03

$4.07 $4.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.15 $8.15

$5.09 $5.09

$10.19 $10.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.15 $8.15

$4.07 $4.07

$12.22 $12.22

Milk (1 liter)

$1.46 $1.46

$1.04 $1.04

$1.81 $1.81

White Bread (500g)

$4.86 $4.86

$2.17 $2.17

$6.51 $6.51

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.25 $3.25

$2.21 $2.21

$13.31 $13.31

Eggs

$4.82 $4.82

$2.93 $2.93

$8.83 $8.83

Local Cheese (1kg)

$23.69 $23.69

$13.34 $13.34

$33.35 $33.35

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.41 $15.41

$6.62 $6.62

$26.51 $26.51

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$23.71 $23.71

$15.3 $15.3

$35.03 $35.03

Apples (1kg)

$7.26 $7.26

$3.34 $3.34

$11.21 $11.21

Banana (1kg)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.5 $1.5

$6.72 $6.72

Oranges (1kg)

$5.19 $5.19

$2.18 $2.18

$13.1 $13.1

Tomato (1kg)

$6.47 $6.47

$2.93 $2.93

$11.62 $11.62

Potato (1kg)

$3.7 $3.7

$1.42 $1.42

$5.33 $5.33

Onion (1kg)

$3.96 $3.96

$1.54 $1.54

$6.7 $6.7

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.9 $2.9

$1.52 $1.52

$4.05 $4.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.75 $2.75

$0.74 $0.74

$3.43 $3.43

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.47 $11.47

$10.2 $10.2

$13.26 $13.26

Wine (Bottle)

$14.01 $14.01

$5 $5

$17.02 $17.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.41 $1.41

$4.22 $4.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.23 $3.23

$1.48 $1.48

$5.92 $5.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.62 $3.62

$2.57 $2.57

$4.68 $4.68

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$82.3 $82.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.59 $3.59

$3.07 $3.07

$5.12 $5.12

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.94 $1.94

$2.55 $2.55

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.46 $29.46

$63.8 $63.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.31 $1.31

$1.16 $1.16

$1.58 $1.58

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

$30.4K $30.4K

$24.2K $24.2K

$37.2K $37.2K

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

$25.9K $25.9K

$20.4K $20.4K

$26.8K $26.8K

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

$290 $290

$149 $149

$446 $446

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

$55.8 $55.8

$25.36 $25.36

$81.2 $81.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.2 $68.2

$45.07 $45.07

$105 $105

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.39 $42.39

$17.25 $17.25

$49.29 $49.29

Cinema Ticket

$15.32 $15.32

$11.86 $11.86

$19.76 $19.76

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

$2,188 $2,188

$1,492 $1,492

$2,487 $2,487

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$25.5K $25.5K

$17.7K $17.7K

$44.2K $44.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.7 $53.7

$30.29 $30.29

$99 $99

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.48 $44.48

$25.16 $25.16

$70.5 $70.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.4 $88.4

$35.17 $35.17

$136 $136

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$138 $138

$80.8 $80.8

$202 $202

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,881 $1,881

$1,386 $1,386

$2,278 $2,278

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,711 $1,711

$1,339 $1,339

$2,083 $2,083

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,260 $3,260

$2,508 $2,508

$4,012 $4,012

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,103 $3,103

$2,226 $2,226

$3,542 $3,542

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,782 $2,782

$2,040 $2,040

$2,782 $2,782

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,342 $2,342

$1,913 $1,913

$2,342 $2,342

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,353 $6,353

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.36

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 El Cerrito, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to core Bay Area hubs, El Cerrito offers a more relaxed rhythm while still keeping you close to San Francisco and Berkeley. The Cost of Living in El Cerrito, CA, United States sits higher than national averages, but the neighborhood mix and transit links can translate to a practical balance for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You will find quieter streets, a range of housing options near BART, and affordable daily amenities relative to pricier cities nearby. Plan around weekend farmers markets, community spaces, and seasonal events that stretch everyday budgets without sacrificing access. Tip: map a weekly plan that leverages off-peak transit and flexible housing types.

To manage the El Cerrito, CA, United States living cost, start with a housing search anchored near BART stations for easy commutes to SF, Oakland, and other East Bay hubs. Expect a mix of modest apartments, duplexes, and small houses; rents and deposits vary by neighborhood and view, but options exist if you look beyond the most visible blocks. Grocery stores, farmers markets, and casual eateries offer value through local produce and seasonal deals. For work, co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi can fit different rhythms. Tip: plan errands by transit lines to minimize car usage.

Quality of life in El Cerrito hinges on neighborhood fit and a flexible budgeting approach. Consider a framework that separates housing, groceries, transit, and leisure, with room for seasonal changes in outdoor activities. The Bay Area climate makes most seasons comfortable for walking, biking, and market days, so you can save by pairing errands with healthy, free activities. Explore neighborhoods within easy reach of BART, balancing hillside views against practical parking and access. Seasonal shifts in crowds and noise can influence your daily rhythm; choosing a quieter street or mid-block location helps. Tip: set a recurring monthly review to adjust your plan as you learn the area.