Salary And Cost Of Living In Cerritos CA

Cerritos, CA, is a highly sought‑after community in southeast Los Angeles County known for its excellent schools, central location, and well‑maintained neighborhoods. As more professionals and families consider relocating to this area, understanding the salary expectations, cost of living, housing market, neighborhoods, and schools in Cerritos, CA becomes essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, locally focused overview to help you evaluate whether Cerritos aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.

Average Salary In Cerritos CA

The job market in Cerritos benefits from its proximity to major employment hubs such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Orange County. Residents often work in sectors like healthcare, education, retail, logistics, technology, and professional services. Overall, earnings tend to be slightly higher than national averages but comparable to many other parts of Los Angeles County.

Below is an approximate breakdown of typical annual salaries in Cerritos, CA and the surrounding area:

Job Category	Typical Salary Range (Annual)
Registered Nurse	$90,000 – $120,000
Public School Teacher	$70,000 – $105,000
Software / IT Professional	$100,000 – $150,000+
Business / Operations Manager	$95,000 – $140,000
Administrative / Office Staff	$45,000 – $65,000
Retail & Customer Service	$35,000 – $55,000

Many households in Cerritos are dual‑income, which helps offset the area’s higher housing and living costs. Professionals with college or advanced degrees typically find that Cerritos offers strong earning potential, especially when commuting to nearby employment centers.

Cost Of Living In Cerritos CA

When evaluating Cerritos, CA, it is important to weigh salaries against the city’s cost of living. The region is considered more expensive than the national average, largely due to housing prices. However, residents often highlight the city’s safety, amenities, and school quality as justifying the higher costs.

The following table summarizes typical monthly expenses for a moderate lifestyle in Cerritos, CA, for a single person and for a family of four (excluding income taxes and major debt payments). These are estimated values and will vary by lifestyle and specific choices.

Expense Category	Single Adult (Monthly)	Family of Four (Monthly)
Housing (Rent or Mortgage)	$2,000 – $2,600	$3,000 – $4,500
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$150 – $250	$220 – $320
Internet & Mobile	$80 – $150	$120 – $200
Groceries	$350 – $550	$800 – $1,200
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Public Transit)	$250 – $450	$450 – $700
Health Insurance & Medical	$250 – $500	$600 – $1,000
Dining, Entertainment & Misc.	$200 – $400	$350 – $700

Overall, the cost of living in Cerritos, CA is driven primarily by housing and transportation. Day‑to‑day costs such as groceries and dining out are similar to other suburban areas in Los Angeles County, though still higher than many parts of the United States.

Average Home Values And Rents In Cerritos CA

The Cerritos housing market is competitive, with strong demand for both owner‑occupied homes and rentals. The city features primarily single‑family homes, along with some townhomes and condominiums. Ongoing demand is influenced by Cerritos’ reputation for safety and its highly rated public school system.

The table below provides an approximate snapshot of average home values and rents in Cerritos, CA compared with U.S. averages:

Housing Type	Cerritos, CA	U.S. Average (Approx.)
Median Home Value	$900,000 – $1,050,000	$400,000 – $450,000
Typical 2‑Bedroom Condo / Townhome	$650,000 – $800,000	$300,000 – $350,000
Typical 3–4 Bedroom Single‑Family Home	$950,000 – $1,200,000+	$450,000 – $550,000
Average Rent – 1 Bedroom Apartment	$2,000 – $2,400 / month	$1,300 – $1,600 / month
Average Rent – 2 Bedroom Apartment	$2,400 – $2,900 / month	$1,600 – $2,000 / month
Average Rent – 3 Bedroom Home	$3,000 – $3,800+ / month	$2,000 – $2,600 / month

Homeownership in Cerritos, CA requires a substantial down payment and strong income, especially for buyers aiming to stay below common mortgage affordability thresholds. Renters should plan for higher monthly housing costs compared to many other California cities outside the Los Angeles and Orange County metropolitan areas.

Best Neighborhoods In Cerritos CA

Cerritos offers a variety of residential areas, each with its own character. Neighborhoods are generally quiet, with tree‑lined streets and convenient access to shopping, parks, and schools. Many buyers and renters look for safe neighborhoods in Cerritos, CA with good schools and amenities.

Here are some of the most notable neighborhoods and areas in Cerritos:

Neighborhood / Area	Key Features
Cerritos South Of South Street	Primarily single‑family homes, convenient to major freeways, close to shopping centers and parks; popular with families seeking space and good schools.
Cerritos Near Cerritos Towne Center	Easy access to Cerritos Towne Center, restaurants, entertainment, and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts; mix of established homes and townhomes.
Neighborhoods Near Whitney High School	Highly desirable due to proximity to one of the top public high schools in California; competitive housing, strong community feel.
Gated And Planned Communities	Several small gated or planned developments offer townhomes or newer single‑family homes with HOA amenities and well‑kept common areas.

Across most areas, residents appreciate well‑maintained parks, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. When comparing neighborhoods within Cerritos, CA, buyers and renters often focus on school boundaries, commute times, and lot size.

Schools And Education In Cerritos CA

Schools are one of the primary reasons families choose to live in Cerritos, CA. The city is served mainly by the ABC Unified School District, which is widely recognized for strong academic performance, college readiness, and robust extracurricular offerings. Several Cerritos schools consistently rank among the best in California.

Below is an overview of some key Cerritos schools and their general reputation:

School	Level	Highlights
Whitney High School	Grades 7–12	Nationally ranked; known for rigorous academics, competitive admissions, and high college placement rates.
Cerritos High School	Grades 9–12	Strong academic performance, diverse programs in arts, athletics, and advanced coursework.
Tetzlaff Middle School	Middle School	Well‑regarded middle school with magnet‑style programs and strong parent involvement.
Nixon Academy, Wittmann Elementary, And Other ABC USD Elementary Schools	Elementary	Consistently solid test scores, enrichment opportunities, and tight‑knit school communities.

In addition to public schools, Cerritos families also have access to private schools, preschools, and tutoring centers, as well as nearby community colleges and universities within driving distance. This extensive educational network contributes significantly to Cerritos’ long‑term property values and overall desirability.

Living In Cerritos CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Choosing to live in Cerritos, CA means balancing higher housing and living costs with strong salaries, excellent schools, and a high quality of life. For many professionals and families, the city’s convenient location between Los Angeles and Orange County, well‑maintained neighborhoods, and top‑tier public schools make the investment worthwhile.

If you are considering a move, it is wise to evaluate your current and projected income, down payment savings, and commuting plans. By carefully comparing average salaries, cost of living, home prices, and neighborhood amenities in Cerritos, CA, you can determine whether this vibrant, family‑friendly city fits your long‑term financial and lifestyle goals.