Cost of Living in Monterey Park, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $989 (excluding rent), and $2,925 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,947 (excluding rent), and $6,788 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.04 $25.04

$15.02 $15.02

$50.1 $50.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$84.4 $84.4

$59.6 $59.6

$89.4 $89.4

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.98 $11.98

$14.97 $14.97

Cappuccino

$4.96 $4.96

$3.97 $3.97

$9.91 $9.91

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

$2.76 $2.76

$2.04 $2.04

$4.59 $4.59

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.97 $1.97

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.93 $7.93

$3.97 $3.97

$7.93 $7.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.92 $6.92

$5.93 $5.93

$11.87 $11.87

Milk (1 liter)

$1.2 $1.2

$0.78 $0.78

$1.44 $1.44

White Bread (500g)

$4.12 $4.12

$2.25 $2.25

$5.76 $5.76

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.15 $4.15

$1.75 $1.75

$6.64 $6.64

Eggs

$7.08 $7.08

$3.21 $3.21

$13.06 $13.06

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.74 $12.74

$6.64 $6.64

$17.69 $17.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.55 $8.55

$5.4 $5.4

$17.29 $17.29

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.25 $14.25

$8.64 $8.64

$27.05 $27.05

Apples (1kg)

$3.52 $3.52

$2.81 $2.81

$6.71 $6.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.88 $1.88

$1.27 $1.27

$4.31 $4.31

Oranges (1kg)

$4.02 $4.02

$1.63 $1.63

$7.62 $7.62

Tomato (1kg)

$5.12 $5.12

$1.67 $1.67

$8.94 $8.94

Potato (1kg)

$3.01 $3.01

$1.1 $1.1

$4.4 $4.4

Onion (1kg)

$2.42 $2.42

$1.07 $1.07

$4.29 $4.29

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.83 $1.83

$0.97 $0.97

$1.94 $1.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.2 $2.2

$0.81 $0.81

$2.65 $2.65

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.1 $11.1

$6.05 $6.05

$12.1 $12.1

Wine (Bottle)

$15.14 $15.14

$6.05 $6.05

$25.23 $25.23

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.6 $2.6

$1.76 $1.76

$4.36 $4.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.18 $3.18

$1.49 $1.49

$5.95 $5.95

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.28 $1.28

$2.06 $2.06

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.16 $3.16

$7.14 $7.14

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.7 $1.7

$3.77 $3.77

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.48 $29.48

$32.43 $32.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.24 $1.24

$1.11 $1.11

$1.29 $1.29

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

$23.6K $23.6K

$33.5K $33.5K

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

$24.7K $24.7K

$24.5K $24.5K

$29.6K $29.6K

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

$237 $237

$99.9 $99.9

$350 $350

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

$67.4 $67.4

$20.19 $20.19

$121 $121

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70 $70

$49.81 $49.81

$94.6 $94.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.07 $43.07

$17.53 $17.53

$50.1 $50.1

Cinema Ticket

$14.2 $14.2

$10.15 $10.15

$20.29 $20.29

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

$1,222 $1,222

$810 $810

$1,266 $1,266

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

$20.4K $20.4K

$40.8K $40.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.4 $56.4

$39.29 $39.29

$70.5 $70.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$46 $46

$24.6 $24.6

$54.2 $54.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 $100

$59.1 $59.1

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$150 $150

$49.79 $49.79

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,595 $1,595

$1,194 $1,194

$1,849 $1,849

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,530 $1,530

$1,254 $1,254

$1,806 $1,806

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,634 $2,634

$2,003 $2,003

$3,005 $3,005

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,697 $3,697

$3,569 $3,569

$3,824 $3,824

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,355 $2,355

$1,728 $1,728

$2,355 $2,355

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,746 $2,746

$2,243 $2,243

$2,746 $2,746

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,818 $2,818

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

6.8

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 Monterey Park, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Monterey Park sits in the Los Angeles area with a mix of residential calm and easy access to big-city amenities. Cost of Living in Monterey Park, CA tends to be steadier than ultra-pricy hubs nearby, with options for longer-term stays, apartment shares, and furnished rentals that can suit different budgets. Lifestyle choices – dining out, markets, and local services – shape daily costs more than headline prices. For many, value comes from safety, walkability, and convenient transit links. Tip: start with a short visit to test neighborhoods and check rental terms before committing to a lease or coworking plan.

Daily life in Monterey Park blends a calm residential vibe with convenient access to markets, restaurants, and services. Housing options run from apartment buildings to single-family homes; use local listings, walk the neighborhoods, and book short-term stays to compare before committing. Food culture is a strength here, with abundant markets and casual spots offering variety and reliable staples. For getting around, buses and nearby freeways keep you connected to LA and the San Gabriel Valley, while bike-friendly streets make short rides practical. Co-working spaces and cafe setups support remote work with decent Wi-Fi. Monterey Park, CA living cost provides a baseline; your actual spend will reflect your daily choices. Tip: Build a rotating budget that covers rent, food, transport, and occasional treats.

Quality of life in Monterey Park often comes from its friendly neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and walkable streets near parks and schools. To tailor your stay, think in terms of neighborhoods that suit your pace – quiet suburban blocks for long stays, or convenient corridors near markets for easy errands. A simple budgeting framework, like a practical 50/30/20 approach, helps you allocate housing, food, and leisure without overcommitting. Shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free community events can trim expenses while maintaining variety. Seasonal climate means milder summers and cooler evenings, so plan clothing and energy use accordingly. Tip: focus on neighborhoods that balance safety, access to transit, and your work needs.