DEMOGRAPHICS / COST OF LIVING
The cost of living varies by area in Southern California, but in every case, it compares favorably with the Bay Area communities of Northern California and the East Coast hub of New York City.
| Metro Area | Comp | Grocery | Housing | Utilities | Transport | Health |
| Manhattan NY | 201.2 | 133.7 | 362.4 | 149.8 | 111.7 | 131.4 |
| San Francisco CA | 174.8 | 144.1 | 290.6 | 98.9 | 120.1 | 123.4 |
| San Jose CA | 166.2 | 143.2 | 263.5 | 107.3 | 123.9 | 121.3 |
| Los Angeles CA | 157.4 | 137.3 | 261.5 | 107.9 | 112.2 | 118.4 |
| Orange County CA | 157.1 | 131.1 | 255.8 | 106.6 | 115.8 | 121.3 |
| San Diego County CA | 150.6 | 116.6 | 240 | 98.7 | 118.9 | 122.5 |
| Stamford CT | 148.7 | 120.1 | 229.8 | 118 | 114.7 | 118.6 |
| Washington DC | 145.9 | 116.4 | 224 | 117.3 | 106.7 | 116.1 |
| Boston MA | 138.9 | 119.3 | 179.1 | 129.6 | 109.7 | 132.3 |
| Philadelphia PA | 125.6 | 122.6 | 147.5 | 116.1 | 111.3 | 117.9 |
| Riverside County CA | 116.1 | 104.8 | 152.9 | 88.5 | 112.4 | 105.5 |
| Seattle WA | 115.8 | 108 | 133.1 | 110.8 | 109.7 | 122.6 |
| Chicago IL | 103.3 | 103.5 | 109.1 | 100.5 | 105 | 101.3 |
| Denver CO | 99.6 | 106.7 | 101.9 | 96.7 | 94 | 106 |
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 2012
Urban Area Comparison based on 100.0 as national average
