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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,123 (excluding rent), and $3,543 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,874 (excluding rent), and $4,862 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$24.52 $24.52

$18.63 $18.63

$31.38 $31.38

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$51.7 $51.7

$50.7 $50.7

$177 $177

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.9 $9.9

$14.84 $14.84

Cappuccino

$5.44 $5.44

$3.92 $3.92

$7.85 $7.85

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

$2.48 $2.48

$1.98 $1.98

$2.97 $2.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.8 $1.8

$1.54 $1.54

$3.09 $3.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.78 $7.78

$4.86 $4.86

$10.7 $10.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.95 $8.95

$7.08 $7.08

$10.11 $10.11

Milk (1 liter)

$1.18 $1.18

$0.89 $0.89

$1.54 $1.54

White Bread (500g)

$3.78 $3.78

$2.15 $2.15

$6.48 $6.48

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.65 $4.65

$1.96 $1.96

$10.91 $10.91

Eggs

$4.4 $4.4

$2.92 $2.92

$7.81 $7.81

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.31 $12.31

$5.21 $5.21

$21.8 $21.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.16 $5.16

$4.32 $4.32

$29.02 $29.02

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.91 $10.91

$8.73 $8.73

$45.91 $45.91

Apples (1kg)

$5.55 $5.55

$3.75 $3.75

$13.29 $13.29

Banana (1kg)

$1.86 $1.86

$1.5 $1.5

$5.44 $5.44

Oranges (1kg)

$3.88 $3.88

$2.21 $2.21

$11.07 $11.07

Tomato (1kg)

$5.62 $5.62

$2.26 $2.26

$9.05 $9.05

Potato (1kg)

$1.31 $1.31

$4.45 $4.45

Onion (1kg)

$2.74 $2.74

$1.95 $1.95

$4.38 $4.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.51 $1.51

$4.05 $4.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.37 $1.37

$2.93 $2.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.5 $9.5

$9.45 $9.45

$10.85 $10.85

Wine (Bottle)

$14.9 $14.9

$8.44 $8.44

$24.83 $24.83

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$4.37 $4.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.66 $4.66

$2.02 $2.02

$6.04 $6.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.22 $1.22

$1.96 $1.96

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.08 $4.08

$3.06 $3.06

$5.1 $5.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.03 $2.03

$3.7 $3.7

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$32.56 $32.56

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.26 $1.26

$1.16 $1.16

$1.33 $1.33

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

$28.2K $28.2K

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

$27.1K $27.1K

$27.6K $27.6K

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

$203 $203

$151 $151

$605 $605

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

$53.6 $53.6

$42.45 $42.45

$98.7 $98.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.9 $72.9

$70.5 $70.5

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.81 $42.81

$17.42 $17.42

$49.77 $49.77

Cinema Ticket

$13.75 $13.75

$9.82 $9.82

$17.68 $17.68

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

$1,876 $1,876

$1,528 $1,528

$1,987 $1,987

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$39.9K $39.9K

$29.8K $29.8K

$42.5K $42.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.6 $57.6

$25.04 $25.04

$89.1 $89.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.98 $39.98

$14.72 $14.72

$58.9 $58.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$75.4 $75.4

$60.3 $60.3

$126 $126

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$158 $158

$101 $101

$253 $253

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,580 $2,580

$2,037 $2,037

$3,056 $3,056

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,291 $2,291

$2,037 $2,037

$2,546 $2,546

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,658 $2,658

$2,021 $2,021

$3,032 $3,032

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,241 $2,241

$1,714 $1,714

$2,521 $2,521

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,698 $2,698

$1,979 $1,979

$2,698 $2,698

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,079 $2,079

$1,699 $1,699

$2,079 $2,079

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 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ojai, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Overall, Cost of Living in Ojai, CA, United States sits at a premium for a small town, reflecting its scenery, climate, and close-knit community. If you value outdoor access, a slower pace, and a tight-knit lifestyle, you might find real value here, especially with longer stays or shared housing. It tends to be pricier than inland rural areas but can be more affordable than coastal hubs a short drive away. Your own value comes from balancing daily routines with the cost of workshops, markets, and amenities you actually use. Seasonal crowds and local partnerships can open friendly options. Tip: Start with a short stay to test neighborhoods and seasonal shifts in activity and pricing.

Day-to-day life in Ojai centers on a compact town feeling with easy access to nature. Housing options range from sunny cottages to hillside retreats, with many rentals found through local listings or word of mouth; start early and be prepared for a competitive market during peak season. Grocery shopping centers around farmers markets, small grocers, and farm stands – produce is fresh and seasonal, which helps with budgeting. Transportation leans car-centric, though you can bike certain routes and rely on a once-daily or less frequent bus service to neighboring towns; many people work remotely and use co-working spaces for social and professional momentum. Ojai, CA, United States living cost can guide expectations when planning the week. Tip: Map out a weekly supply run to minimize trips and optimize time.

Quality of life in Ojai leans on outdoor access, creative community, and a compact footprint that makes daily errands easy. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: housing costs first, groceries, utilities, and activity budget next. Favor neighborhoods that fit your pace – downtown Ojai for walkability, Meiners Oaks for a mix of homes and cafe culture, or hillside areas for privacy and views. Seasonality matters: summer brings more visitors and occasional price pressure on short-term stays, while winter can feel quieter but more limited service hours. Look for co-working spaces or libraries with reliable Wi-Fi to maintain productivity. Tip: Build a flexible monthly plan that accounts for variable crowd levels and energy use.