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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,860 monthly including rent, or $1,042 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,730 with rent, or $1,772 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,600 including rent, or $2,502 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$24.82 $24.82
$14.89 $14.89
$49.63 $49.63
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$84.2 $84.2
$59.4 $59.4
$89.2 $89.2
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.07 $12.07
$12.07 $12.07
$15.08 $15.08
Cappuccino
$4.94 $4.94
$3.95 $3.95
$9.89 $9.89
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.72 $2.72
$2.01 $2.01
$4.52 $4.52
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.24 $2.24
$1.97 $1.97
$2.95 $2.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.22 $8.22
$4.11 $4.11
$8.22 $8.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.95 $6.95
$5.96 $5.96
$11.91 $11.91
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.25 $1.25
$0.81 $0.81
$1.49 $1.49
White Bread (500g)
$3.97 $3.97
$2.17 $2.17
$5.55 $5.55
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.10 $4.10
$1.73 $1.73
$6.55 $6.55
Eggs
$6.87 $6.87
$3.11 $3.11
$12.66 $12.66
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.74 $12.74
$6.64 $6.64
$17.70 $17.70
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.77 $8.77
$5.54 $5.54
$17.75 $17.75
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.76 $14.76
$8.95 $8.95
$28.02 $28.02
Apples (1kg)
$3.52 $3.52
$2.81 $2.81
$6.72 $6.72
Banana (1kg)
$1.88 $1.88
$1.27 $1.27
$4.31 $4.31
Oranges (1kg)
$3.97 $3.97
$1.61 $1.61
$7.54 $7.54
Tomato (1kg)
$5.03 $5.03
$1.64 $1.64
$8.79 $8.79
Potato (1kg)
$2.98 $2.98
$1.09 $1.09
$4.35 $4.35
Onion (1kg)
$2.51 $2.51
$1.11 $1.11
$4.45 $4.45
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.86 $1.86
$0.99 $0.99
$1.98 $1.98
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.17 $2.17
$0.80 $0.80
$2.62 $2.62
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.19 $11.19
$6.10 $6.10
$12.21 $12.21
Wine (Bottle)
$14.90 $14.90
$7.95 $7.95
$24.83 $24.83
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.58 $2.58
$1.74 $1.74
$4.32 $4.32
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.13 $3.13
$1.46 $1.46
$5.84 $5.84
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.22 $1.22
$1.96 $1.96
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.13 $3.13
$3.13 $3.13
$7.06 $7.06
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.71 $1.71
$1.71 $1.71
$3.79 $3.79
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.74 $29.74
$29.74 $29.74
$32.72 $32.72
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 $1.29
$1.16 $1.16
$1.34 $1.34
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.8K $23.8K
$23.8K $23.8K
$33.9K $33.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.5K $24.5K
$24.4K $24.4K
$29.4K $29.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$240 $240
$101 $101
$353 $353
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$66.7 $66.7
$19.97 $19.97
$120 $120
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$70.3 $70.3
$50.0 $50.0
$95.1 $95.1
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.78 $43.78
$17.82 $17.82
$50.9 $50.9
Cinema Ticket
$13.74 $13.74
$9.81 $9.81
$19.63 $19.63
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,193 $1,193
$792 $792
$1,237 $1,237
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.2K $24.2K
$20.3K $20.3K
$40.7K $40.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$56.5 $56.5
$39.38 $39.38
$70.7 $70.7
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$47.29 $47.29
$25.29 $25.29
$55.7 $55.7
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$103 $103
$60.6 $60.6
$131 $131
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$148 $148
$49.22 $49.22
$197 $197
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,623 $1,623
$1,215 $1,215
$1,881 $1,881
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,549 $1,549
$1,270 $1,270
$1,828 $1,828
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,656 $2,656
$2,020 $2,020
$3,029 $3,029
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,673 $3,673
$3,546 $3,546
$3,800 $3,800
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,595 $2,595
$1,907 $1,907
$2,595 $2,595
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,450 $2,450
$1,985 $1,985
$2,450 $2,450
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,854 $2,854
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.49
5
6.8

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,623 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,549 outside the center. At 57% of the average salary ($2,854), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,854, while typical expenses reach $2,860. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $389 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $84.0 for two.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is more expensive than 98% of cities in North America

Eggs is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

Monterey Park, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Monterey Park, CA - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Monterey Park, CA for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to nearby areas?
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.
What does daily life look like in Monterey Park, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
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.
What makes the quality of life in this area stand out, and how can you budget and choose a neighborhood that fits?
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.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Monterey Park, CA?
With 57% of the average paycheck going to rent, Monterey Park, CA is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Monterey Park, CA?
A single person in Monterey Park, CA typically spends $2,860 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,042. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Monterey Park, CA enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $2,854 technically covers the $2,860 monthly cost of living in Monterey Park, CA, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Monterey Park, CA?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Monterey Park, CA range from $1,549 to $1,623, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How much does childcare cost in Monterey Park, CA?
Childcare averages $1,193 monthly at a private kindergarten in Monterey Park, CA. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is food expensive in Monterey Park, CA?
A single person's grocery bill in Monterey Park, CA runs about $389 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Monterey Park, CA?
At $2,860 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Monterey Park, CA. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Monterey Park, CA a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Monterey Park, CA for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, family-friendly facilities, all at about $2,860 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

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