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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $852 (excluding rent), and $2,475 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,294 (excluding rent), and $4,574 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.91 $14.91

$24.85 $24.85

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.55 $34.55

$173 $173

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.06 $10.06

$15.1 $15.1

Cappuccino

$5.05 $5.05

$4.04 $4.04

$8.08 $8.08

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

$2.02 $2.02

$3.03 $3.03

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.07 $2.07

$1.99 $1.99

$2.98 $2.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.78 $7.78

$4.86 $4.86

$10.69 $10.69

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.6 $8.6

$6.8 $6.8

$9.72 $9.72

Milk (1 liter)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.94 $0.94

$1.62 $1.62

White Bread (500g)

$5.55 $5.55

$2.18 $2.18

$6.58 $6.58

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$2.01 $2.01

$11.21 $11.21

Eggs

$4.58 $4.58

$3.04 $3.04

$8.14 $8.14

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.94 $10.94

$5.23 $5.23

$15.31 $15.31

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.35 $4.35

$29.28 $29.28

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.26 $14.26

$8.63 $8.63

$45.39 $45.39

Apples (1kg)

$6.43 $6.43

$3.76 $3.76

$13.3 $13.3

Banana (1kg)

$1.84 $1.84

$1.49 $1.49

$3.24 $3.24

Oranges (1kg)

$2.16 $2.16

$10.81 $10.81

Tomato (1kg)

$2.25 $2.25

$8.99 $8.99

Potato (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.75 $1.75

$4.38 $4.38

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 $2.17

$1.93 $1.93

$4.34 $4.34

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.5 $1.5

$4.02 $4.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 $1.03

$3.07 $3.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.88 $9.88

$9.83 $9.83

$15.39 $15.39

Wine (Bottle)

$10.11 $10.11

$10.1 $10.1

$45.5 $45.5

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$4.17 $4.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.49 $4.49

$1.94 $1.94

$5.82 $5.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$20.11 $20.11

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.12 $4.12

$3.09 $3.09

$6.18 $6.18

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.76 $2.76

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$32.5 $32.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.3 $1.3

$1.18 $1.18

$1.35 $1.35

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

$22.3K $22.3K

$28.8K $28.8K

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

$22.2K $22.2K

$27.5K $27.5K

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

$200 $200

$149 $149

$496 $496

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

$54.1 $54.1

$42.79 $42.79

$89.6 $89.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$50.2 $50.2

$85.4 $85.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.89 $42.89

$17.45 $17.45

$49.87 $49.87

Cinema Ticket

$14.22 $14.22

$10.15 $10.15

$18.28 $18.28

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

$1,843 $1,843

$1,501 $1,501

$1,951 $1,951

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$39.4K $39.4K

$29.4K $29.4K

$41.9K $41.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$15.19 $15.19

$90.2 $90.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.55 $41.55

$15.29 $15.29

$61.2 $61.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$75.9 $75.9

$59.2 $59.2

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$154 $154

$98.5 $98.5

$394 $394

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,607 $1,607

$1,204 $1,204

$1,863 $1,863

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,359 $1,359

$1,004 $1,004

$1,506 $1,506

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,599 $2,599

$1,976 $1,976

$2,965 $2,965

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,227 $2,227

$1,704 $1,704

$2,505 $2,505

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,432 $2,432

$1,783 $1,783

$2,432 $2,432

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,600 $2,600

$2,124 $2,124

$2,600 $2,600

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,076 $6,076

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.69

6.19

7.7

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Monrovia, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Monrovia sits in the Los Angeles metro area, offering a suburban feel with easy access to city amenities. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the overall affordability is mixed: housing can be more affordable than central L.A. neighborhoods, but costs rise near well‑trafficked areas and popular commutes. Groceries, dining, and occasional services tend to follow a mid‑range pattern, with value found in local markets and neighborhood cafes rather than high‑end hubs. You gain walkable streets, a calmer pace, and reliable regional transit links that ease trips into the wider coast. Cost of Living in Monrovia, CA, United States is a guide, not a fixed number. Tip: Map a flexible 4‑week budget to test value first.

Daily life revolves around practical choices that suit short stays and longer stays alike. Housing search often hinges on proximity to Old Town Monrovia and quiet residential streets: you might find vintage flats, duplexes, or newer apartments within easy reach of cafes and parks. Food options cover farmers markets, reliable grocers, and independent eateries that let you stretch a budget without sacrificing quality. Transit and rideshare options offer reasonable access to nearby communities, while a few coworking spaces and cafés with reliable wifi support workdays. Errands are manageable on foot in the center and with occasional car trips for larger purchases. Monrovia, CA, United States living cost varies by area. Tip: Pin a 2‑week trial of housing and routes before committing.

Quality of life here blends easy outdoor access with a walkable town center and quiet residential streets. To keep a steady budget, use a simple framework like 50/30/20: housing and utilities first, then essentials, with a bucket for transport and leisure. Save by shopping at farmers markets, cooking at home, and choosing neighborhoods that balance commute, noise levels, and green space. Seasonality matters: summers are warm and sunny, winters bring more rain, so plan for indoor coworking days and outdoor recreation in milder months. A good neighborhood fit favors proximity to parks, cafes, and safe lanes for strolling or biking. Tip: Test a neighborhood for a full weekday cycle before renewing leases.