2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Torrance, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Palo Alto or is it cheaper to live in Torrance?
- Palo Alto is 42.9% more expensive than Torrance.

Which city has more affordable housing, Palo Alto or Torrance?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 227.0% more expensive than Torrance housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Torrance or is Health Care more affordable in Palo Alto.
- Health related expenses are 19.4% more in Palo Alto.
 Torrance, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock231.0100
 Food & Groceries105.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.7100
 Housing348.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$3,107,600$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock140.6100
 Miscellaneous133.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Torrance    15 Reviews

I'll admit it, I'm biased. So, I can't say what's a lot or a little without outside sources for the most part. I was born and raised in Torrance. I've lived here for 20+  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in Torrance for 19 years. I was fortunate enough to move here before housing prices skyrocketed in the early 2000's. I live in the middle of Torrance and as  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

Due to global warming, the climate has gotten warmer longer.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Torrance

Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Very  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palo Alto


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.