When you think of California, high prices usually come to mind, but Victorville stands out as a city with a relatively low cost of living within the same state. With a cost of living index of 112, it is 12% higher than the national average, but significantly lower compared to other cities in California. Compared to coastal cities like LA (163), San Diego (155), and Irvine (172), Victorville's cost of living appears quite competitive.

The biggest advantage of Victorville is its housing costs. According to Zillow, the median price for single-family homes in Victorville is estimated to be around $300,000 to $480,000. This is less than half the median price in LA County (over $600,000). Rent for a one-bedroom typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900, while two-bedroom units tend to be around $1,700 to $2,300. Compared to the national median rent ($1,500 to $2,200), Victorville offers similar or even lower prices for some units, making it one of the rare areas in California where you can rent at national average levels. The availability of single-family homes with spacious yards is also an attractive factor for families moving to the area.

Grocery costs are maintained at a national average level due to the presence of large supermarket chains (Walmart, Stater Bros, Vons, etc.). For a family of four, monthly grocery expenses are expected to be around $800 to $1,100. However, if you're looking for Korean ingredients, you may need to travel to nearby Fontana or even further to Rowland Heights or Diamond Bar. The limited number of Asian markets in Victorville may pose an inconvenience for Korean families.

Transportation costs are a significant consideration in this desert city, as having a vehicle is absolutely necessary. Public transportation infrastructure is very limited, so all travel is car-dependent. Monthly transportation costs, including gas, insurance, and maintenance, are estimated to be around $650. If you move from LA or Irvine to Victorville while maintaining a commute to LA, you should consider that heavy traffic on the 15 Freeway can result in a round trip taking 2 to 3 hours during peak times. Utility costs can also be substantial due to the desert climate, with air conditioning expenses rising significantly in the summer months. Some households may see electric bills exceeding $300 during June to September, with an annual average of around $240.

One of the main reasons to choose Victorville is the ability to secure spacious living accommodations within commuting distance of LA. For the cost of renting a single apartment in LA, you might be able to find a three-bedroom single-family home in Victorville. With the increase in remote and hybrid work, more people seem to be choosing to move to Victorville. However, if your job requires commuting to LA, you should carefully calculate travel time and fuel costs.

Compared to nearby cities, Hesperia and Apple Valley, which are also in the High Desert region, show similar living costs. Rancho Cucamonga (138) and Chino (138), located a bit further west, have higher cost of living indices than Victorville but are more popular among commuters due to better access to LA. While Victorville has top-tier competitiveness in terms of pricing within California, factors such as distance from the Korean community, cultural infrastructure, and climate conditions may make it not the best choice for every family.

According to the MIT Living Wage, a family of four in San Bernardino County, where Victorville is located, would need a pre-tax annual income of about $70,000 to $115,000 to maintain a decent standard of living. This is significantly lower than estimates for the greater LA area, confirming Victorville's practical cost of living competitiveness. For families looking for reasonable costs and spacious living in California, Victorville is worth considering after carefully evaluating commuting conditions.