Salary And Cost Of Living In Torrance CA

Torrance, CA is a highly desirable city in Los Angeles County, known for its coastal climate, strong job market, and excellent public services. As more professionals consider relocating to the South Bay area, understanding the salary expectations and cost of living in Torrance, California becomes essential. From average wages to housing costs, and from neighborhood options to school quality, this guide offers a comprehensive overview to help you evaluate life in Torrance, CA.

Average Salary In Torrance CA

Torrance benefits from proximity to key employment hubs, including the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and technology sectors. As a result, salaries in Torrance, CA tend to be competitive compared with many other parts of Southern California.

Below is an overview of estimated average annual salaries in Torrance, CA by occupation group:

Occupation Category	Estimated Average Salary (Annual)
Overall Citywide Average (All Occupations)	$70,000 – $80,000
Professional & Technical (IT, Engineering)	$90,000 – $120,000
Healthcare (RNs, Allied Health)	$85,000 – $115,000
Education & Public Sector	$60,000 – $90,000
Retail, Hospitality & Service	$35,000 – $50,000

These salary ranges are influenced by Torrance’s diverse employers, including major medical centers, corporate headquarters, and manufacturing facilities. When evaluating jobs in Torrance, CA, it is wise to balance the offered salary against the relatively high regional cost of living, especially housing and transportation.

Cost Of Living In Torrance CA

The overall cost of living in Torrance, CA is higher than the national average, as is typical for many communities in the Greater Los Angeles area. However, Torrance is often considered slightly more affordable than some nearby coastal cities such as Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach, which makes it attractive for families and professionals seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.

The following table compares key cost-of-living components in Torrance, CA against the U.S. average (U.S. average = index of 100):

Category	Torrance CA Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	155 – 165	100
Housing	220 – 240	100
Groceries	110 – 120	100
Utilities	95 – 105	100
Transportation	130 – 140	100
Healthcare	105 – 115	100

In practical terms, residents in Torrance, CA can expect higher housing and transportation costs than the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain closer to mid-range. Commuters often factor in fuel prices, insurance, and parking when calculating their total monthly expenses.

Average Home Values And Rents In Torrance CA

Housing is typically the largest expense affecting the cost of living in Torrance, California. The city offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes, with prices varying significantly by neighborhood and proximity to the beach.

Here is a snapshot of average home values and rental prices in Torrance, CA:

Housing Type	Estimated Price / Rent
Median Single-Family Home Value	$1,000,000 – $1,200,000
Typical Townhome/Condo Value	$700,000 – $900,000
Average Rent – 1 Bedroom Apartment	$2,300 – $2,700 per month
Average Rent – 2 Bedroom Apartment	$2,800 – $3,400 per month
Average Rent – 3 Bedroom Home	$3,500 – $4,500+ per month

To visualize how housing dominates monthly expenses for many residents in Torrance, CA, the chart below illustrates a sample distribution of a typical household budget:

Sample Monthly Budget Allocation In Torrance CA
Housing	45%
Transportation	15%
Food & Groceries	15%
Healthcare & Insurance	10%
Utilities	7%
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	8%

While exact figures vary by household, this example highlights why negotiating a competitive salary in Torrance, CA is so important, particularly for renters and first-time homebuyers.

Best Neighborhoods In Torrance CA

Torrance, CA features a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from family-friendly streets to more urban, amenity-rich areas. When evaluating the best neighborhoods in Torrance, California, it helps to consider school access, commute times, home prices, and proximity to shopping and parks.

Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Torrance, CA include:

Neighborhood	Key Features	General Price Level
Southwood	Tree-lined streets, close to top-rated schools, near Del Amo Fashion Center	Upper mid-range to high
Seaside	Proximity to the Pacific Ocean, larger lots, quiet residential feel	High
West Torrance	Strong schools, neighborhood parks, convenient access to beaches	Upper mid-range
North Torrance	More affordable options, good freeway access for commuters	Mid-range
Old Torrance	Historic charm, walkable streets, mix of older homes and newer developments	Mid to upper mid-range

For families, neighborhoods like West Torrance and Southwood stand out for their balance of home values, community amenities, and access to high-performing schools. Professionals who prioritize easy freeway access and relatively lower housing costs often explore North Torrance. Meanwhile, those seeking a coastal feel and larger properties frequently consider Seaside.

Schools And Education In Torrance CA

The Torrance Unified School District (TUSD) is a significant reason many families choose to live in Torrance, CA. The district is widely regarded as one of the more reputable public school systems in the South Bay, with numerous schools consistently earning strong marks for academic performance, college readiness, and extracurricular offerings.

Below is an overview of some school options in Torrance, CA:

School Level	Examples In Torrance CA	Notable Highlights
Elementary Schools	Fern Elementary, Towers Elementary, Riviera Elementary	Strong community involvement, solid test scores, neighborhood-based campuses
Middle Schools	Bert Lynn Middle, Madrona Middle, Calle Mayor Middle	Advanced coursework, sports and arts programs, supportive learning environments
High Schools	Torrance High, West High, South High, North High	AP courses, athletics, arts, and career pathways programs
Private & Parochial Schools	St James School, Nativity Catholic School, Various Academies	Smaller class sizes, faith-based education, specialized curricula

The strength of the educational system in Torrance, CA helps support property values and contributes to the city’s reputation as a family-friendly community. When exploring homes for sale or rent in Torrance, California, many residents factor in school boundaries as a primary consideration.

Living In Torrance CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Living in Torrance, CA involves balancing a higher-than-average cost of living with competitive salaries and exceptional local amenities. While housing and transportation costs can be substantial, residents benefit from strong public schools, diverse employment opportunities, and access to beaches, parks, and shopping centers.

For professionals evaluating a job offer in Torrance, CA, it is important to:

• Compare the salary to local housing and rental prices.
• Estimate commuting costs, including fuel, insurance, and parking.
• Research neighborhoods that match both budget and lifestyle goals.
• Consider long-term benefits, such as school quality and property value stability.

Ultimately, Torrance, California offers a high quality of life for those who carefully align their income with expenses. With thoughtful planning and a clear understanding of local salaries, home values, and cost-of-living factors, many individuals and families find that Torrance, CA is a rewarding place to live, work, and grow.