California • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Empire, California

Overall cost of living: -6% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Empire.

Housing
-46% vs avg
Utilities
+59% vs avg
Groceries
-1% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-46% vs avg
Median Home Price
$286,736
Median Rent
$860.54 / month
Energy Bill
$350.67 / month
Phone Bill
$312.83 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$3.95 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-1% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.06
Gallon of Milk
$4.70
Carton of Eggs
$4.64
Bunch of Bananas
$0.76
Hamburger
$5.74
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$109.07
Dentist Visit
$87.61
Optometrist Visit
$99.34
Rx Drug
$15.79
Veterinary Visit
$76.20

Empire in the Context of California

State Avg Cost Index111.6
State Avg Rent$3,262/mo
State Income Tax13.3%
Cities in State330

Other Cities in California

About Living in Empire, California

Empire is located in California and has an overall cost of living that is -6% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Empire.

Housing: Median rent in Empire is $860.54 / month, and the median home price is $286,736. Housing costs are -46% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.06), milk ($4.70), and eggs ($4.64) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -1% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($109.07), dentist visits ($87.61), and prescription drugs ($15.79). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

California has a state income tax rate of 13.3%, which affects take-home pay for Empire residents.

Explore More

Empire, California Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Empire.

Empire, California has an overall cost of living that is -6% the national average. Housing costs are -46% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -1% vs average. Utilities are +59% vs average. This makes Empire a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Empire, California is $860.54 / month. Average energy bills run $350.67 / month. Phone bills average $312.83 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Empire: doctor's visit averages $109.07, dentist visit averages $87.61, prescription drugs average $15.79. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -1% grocery cost difference.
Empire is one of 330 cities tracked in California. With an overall cost -6% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our California state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Empire offers cost of living -6% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $286,736, rent of $860.54 / month, and a state income tax of 13.3% in California. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Empire fits your budget.