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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,485 (excluding rent), and $2,529 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,116 (excluding rent), and $5,637 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.09 $25.09

$16.06 $16.06

$50.2 $50.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$100 $100

$75.1 $75.1

$200 $200

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$14.95 $14.95

$11.96 $11.96

$17.94 $17.94

Cappuccino

$5.85 $5.85

$4.95 $4.95

$5.94 $5.94

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

$3.04 $3.04

$2.78 $2.78

$3.79 $3.79

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.22 $8.22

$7.19 $7.19

$10.27 $10.27

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.45 $9.45

$7.96 $7.96

$11.94 $11.94

Milk (1 liter)

$1.36 $1.36

$0.95 $0.95

$1.84 $1.84

White Bread (500g)

$5.02 $5.02

$3.36 $3.36

$6.7 $6.7

Rice (white) (1kg)

$7.64 $7.64

$4.37 $4.37

$9.82 $9.82

Eggs

$5.5 $5.5

$3.02 $3.02

$7.07 $7.07

Local Cheese (1kg)

$23.23 $23.23

$13.27 $13.27

$26.55 $26.55

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$17.14 $17.14

$10.94 $10.94

$18.6 $18.6

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$29.47 $29.47

$11.05 $11.05

$55.3 $55.3

Apples (1kg)

$7.33 $7.33

$4.52 $4.52

$11.29 $11.29

Banana (1kg)

$2.96 $2.96

$1.51 $1.51

$5.49 $5.49

Oranges (1kg)

$5.79 $5.79

$2 $2

$11.25 $11.25

Tomato (1kg)

$13.18 $13.18

$4.4 $4.4

$13.19 $13.19

Potato (1kg)

$9.95 $9.95

$4.37 $4.37

$10.89 $10.89

Onion (1kg)

$5.79 $5.79

$1.65 $1.65

$8.95 $8.95

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.98 $3.98

$2.97 $2.97

$4.97 $4.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.07 $3.07

$2.03 $2.03

$4.09 $4.09

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.74 $12.74

$10.52 $10.52

$14.76 $14.76

Wine (Bottle)

$13.3 $13.3

$7.88 $7.88

$14.77 $14.77

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$4.35 $4.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.89 $3.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.21 $1.21

$1.94 $1.94

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.04 $6.04

$3.02 $3.02

$9.05 $9.05

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$4.37 $4.37

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$50.6 $50.6

$31.76 $31.76

$69.5 $69.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.18 $1.18

$1.49 $1.49

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

$34.7K $34.7K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.2K $36.2K

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

$25.4K $25.4K

$25.3K $25.3K

$26.5K $26.5K

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

$227 $227

$154 $154

$534 $534

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

$62.6 $62.6

$43.48 $43.48

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$78.7 $78.7

$66 $66

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$32.44 $32.44

$17.74 $17.74

$50.7 $50.7

Cinema Ticket

$9.31 $9.31

$14.89 $14.89

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

$1,435 $1,435

$1,007 $1,007

$1,862 $1,862

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$37.4K $37.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$70 $70

$55 $55

$80 $80

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$46.77 $46.77

$40.38 $40.38

$54.5 $54.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$104 $104

$64.2 $64.2

$119 $119

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$144 $144

$131 $131

$151 $151

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$913 $913

$1,885 $1,885

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$895 $895

$1,491 $1,491

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,903 $1,903

$1,803 $1,803

$2,003 $2,003

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,764 $1,764

$1,666 $1,666

$2,450 $2,450

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$13.5K $13.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,488 $5,488

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.68

6.19

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ridgecrest, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Ridgecrest sits toward the affordable side of California inland towns, especially for longer stays where daily costs stay manageable. You can trim rent by choosing a compact unit in a walkable area or by sharing a place with a flexible lease. Local groceries, casual dining, and basic services are generally within reach without the premium prices of coastal cities. Utilities and healthcare can be practical, with variability by neighborhood. The value tends to favor travelers, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize climate, access to nature, and a slower pace. Cost of Living in Ridgecrest, CA, United States serves as your baseline for planning. Tip: Start with a two week budgeting test before committing to a longer stay.

Daily life in Ridgecrest blends practicality with outdoor access. For housing, search local listings and consider neighborhoods near downtown or the foothills; flexible leases and parking options help you balance space and transit access. Food options range from regional groceries to casual eateries; cooking at home keeps costs predictable while you explore local markets for fresh produce. Transport is mostly car dependent, with workable bus routes and bike friendly streets for short trips. Errands are compact and doable in a single circuit around town. Ridgecrest, CA, United States living cost varies by area and season. Tip: Map your weekly routine to cluster shopping and errands around the same neighborhoods to save time.

Quality of life in Ridgecrest comes from a balance of outdoor access and practical living. A budgeting framework like 50/30/20 can help you allocate essentials, discretionary spends, and savings for future trips. Summers are hot and winters mild, so plan for energy use and air conditioning costs; consider shaded living spaces and outdoor activity in milder months. To find the right neighborhood, visit at different times of day and week to gauge noise, commute, and proximity to services. Take advantage of free outdoor recreation such as hiking and stargazing, and compare options by overall convenience, not just rent. Tip: build a flexible monthly plan that cushions seasonal shifts and keeps savings achievable.