Get & compare mortgage quotes anonymously Start in My Home

Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Catalina

Is it better to rent or buy in Catalina? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$83,437
$1,295/mo

Median in area: $1,295

$291,157

Median in area: $291,157

$58,231

If you Rent

$1,457 /mo
Base Rent$1,295
Est. Utilities$162
% of Income21.0%
Pre-tax Residual$5,496

If you Buy

$1,927 /mo
P&I (6.933%)$1,539
Taxes & Ins$226
Est. Utilities$162
% of Income27.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,026

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Catalina?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Catalina. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,457, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,927 per month (a difference of $470).

How much do utilities cost in Catalina?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Catalina is approximately $162. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Catalina?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Catalina without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $58,280 per year.