Salary And Cost Of Living In Walnut CA

Located in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, Walnut, CA is a highly regarded suburban community known for its top-rated schools, quiet neighborhoods, and convenient access to Los Angeles and Orange County. For individuals and families considering a move, understanding the average salary and cost of living in Walnut, CA is essential. The city’s strong housing market, competitive wages, and exceptional quality of life make it a popular choice for professionals, commuters, and long-term residents.

Below, we will explore the average salary in Walnut, CA, the cost of living index, typical home values and rents, and the best neighborhoods and schools in Walnut, CA to help you make an informed decision about living and working in this desirable Southern California city.

Average Salary In Walnut CA

The average salary in Walnut, CA is generally higher than many parts of the country, reflecting the region’s professional job base and elevated cost of living. Residents commonly work in fields such as education, healthcare, engineering, finance, logistics, and technology, often commuting to nearby employment centers like Los Angeles, City of Industry, and the broader San Gabriel Valley.

While exact figures vary by source and occupation, a reasonable picture of income levels in Walnut, CA can be summarized as follows:

Income Metric – Walnut, CA	Estimated Amount (Annual)
Median Household Income	$115,000 – $130,000
Average Individual Salary	$60,000 – $75,000
Typical Professional/Managerial Salaries	$85,000 – $130,000+
Entry-Level Positions	$40,000 – $55,000

These salary ranges reflect a labor market where higher incomes help offset the elevated cost of housing and everyday expenses. When comparing Walnut, CA to neighboring cities, income levels are relatively strong, which is one of the reasons many professionals choose to settle in this community.

Cost Of Living In Walnut CA

The cost of living in Walnut, CA is notably higher than the national average, largely due to housing, transportation, and general goods and services associated with the greater Los Angeles region. However, many residents find that the city’s safety, amenities, and school quality justify the additional expense.

An overview of how Walnut, CA compares to the U.S. average (indexed at 100) is shown below:

Cost Category – Walnut, CA	Index (U.S. = 100)	General Description
Overall Cost Of Living	150 – 165	Significantly above national average
Housing	200 – 230	Primary driver of higher costs
Groceries	110 – 120	Moderately higher than average
Transportation	120 – 130	Higher due to fuel and commute costs
Healthcare	100 – 110	Roughly in line with U.S. averages
Utilities	95 – 105	Comparable to national average

To further illustrate typical monthly expenses for a household living in Walnut, CA, consider the following approximate budget range for a family of three or four:

Monthly Expense – Walnut, CA	Estimated Range
Rent Or Mortgage (Primary Residence)	$3,000 – $5,500+
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$200 – $350
Groceries And Household Items	$700 – $1,200
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance, Maintenance)	$400 – $800
Healthcare And Insurance	$300 – $700
Dining, Entertainment, Misc.	$300 – $700

Overall, residents of Walnut, CA enjoy a high quality of life, but should be prepared for a cost structure consistent with desirable Southern California suburbs.

Average Home Values And Rents In Walnut CA

Housing is the most significant cost factor in Walnut. The average home values in Walnut, CA are among the higher tiers in Los Angeles County, driven by strong demand, limited inventory, and the reputation of the local school district. Many properties are well-maintained single-family homes in quiet, residential neighborhoods.

While prices fluctuate with the real estate market, approximate values and rents in Walnut, CA typically fall within the following ranges:

Housing Type – Walnut, CA	Typical Price / Rent
Median Single-Family Home Value	$1,000,000 – $1,200,000+
Entry-Level Townhome / Condo	$650,000 – $850,000
Luxury Or Larger Single-Family Homes	$1,300,000 – $2,000,000+
Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,100 – $2,600 per month
Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Or Condo Rent	$2,400 – $3,200 per month
Average 3-Bedroom Single-Family Home Rent	$3,200 – $4,500+ per month

To visualize how much housing dominates the budget in Walnut, CA compared to other living expenses, consider the following simple chart representation:

Monthly Cost Category	Relative Share Of Budget
Housing	██████████████████████████
Transportation	███████
Groceries	█████
Other (Utilities, Healthcare, Leisure)	█████

For most households, housing costs will be the single largest line item when living in Walnut, CA. Prospective buyers and renters should carefully evaluate mortgage or rent commitments relative to their expected salary and long-term financial goals.

Best Neighborhoods In Walnut CA

Walnut is a relatively small city, yet it features several distinct and highly desirable residential areas. The best neighborhoods in Walnut, CA tend to share common traits such as quiet streets, proximity to parks, and access to top-performing schools.

Notable neighborhoods and residential areas in Walnut, CA include:

Neighborhood – Walnut, CA	Key Features
Snow Creek	Upscale community with well-maintained homes, scenic hillsides, and close proximity to parks and hiking trails.
Timberline	Family-friendly area with single-family homes, easy access to schools, and a suburban feel.
Three Oaks	Desirable neighborhood with larger properties, quiet streets, and convenient access to shopping and major roadways.
Collegewood	Located near Mt. San Antonio College and Cal Poly Pomona, popular with faculty, staff, and students seeking nearby amenities.
Emerald Hills And Surrounding Tracts	Residential enclaves offering a mix of older and newer homes, many within the attendance area of top Walnut schools.

Across Walnut, CA, neighborhoods are generally safe, quiet, and well-kept, with many cul-de-sacs, green spaces, and community parks. When choosing a neighborhood, buyers and renters often prioritize school boundaries, commute routes, and proximity to amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Schools And Education In Walnut CA

One of the primary reasons families are drawn to Walnut is the strength and reputation of the schools in Walnut, CA. The city is primarily served by the Walnut Valley Unified School District, which is consistently ranked among the top school districts in California. High academic standards, diverse programs, and strong community support contribute to the district’s appeal.

Below is an overview of some of the noteworthy public schools associated with Walnut, CA:

School – Walnut, CA	School Type	Key Highlights
Walnut High School	High School	Nationally recognized, strong Advanced Placement (AP) program, competitive athletics, arts, and extracurriculars.
Suzanne Middle School	Middle School	High-performing, known for academic rigor and supportive learning environment.
Chaparral Middle School	Middle School	Offers enriched academic programs and a variety of student activities.
Collegewood Elementary School	Elementary School	Strong community involvement and highly rated academic performance.
Westhoff Elementary School	Elementary School	Consistently strong test scores and positive parent reviews.
C.J. Morris Elementary School	Elementary School	Well-regarded neighborhood school with diverse programs.

In addition to public schools, families in Walnut, CA have access to private school options and nearby higher education institutions, including Mt. San Antonio College and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). This concentration of educational resources enhances the overall value proposition of living in Walnut and contributes to stable home values and strong community engagement.

Living In Walnut CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

When evaluating whether Walnut, CA is the right place for you, it is important to balance salary prospects, cost of living, and overall lifestyle. While housing and day-to-day expenses are unquestionably higher than the national average, many residents find that competitive incomes, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and convenient access to major employment centers make Walnut an excellent long-term choice.

For professionals and families seeking a well-rounded, suburban lifestyle in Los Angeles County, Walnut, CA offers a compelling combination of economic opportunity and quality of life. By carefully assessing your earning potential, housing options, and educational priorities, you can determine whether this vibrant community aligns with your financial goals and personal aspirations.