Cost of Living in Redlands, California in 2026
If you're thinking about moving to Redlands, you're probably asking one big question: what does it actually cost to live here? I get this question from relocating buyers every week, so I put together a real, current breakdown. I've sold real estate in Redlands since 2001, and I live here too. This is the honest picture, not a marketing pitch.
Housing Costs in Redlands
Housing is the biggest line item, and it's the reason most people move here in the first place. Redlands offers more home for your money than coastal Southern California, while still giving you tree-lined streets, historic charm, and easy freeway access.
Median home price: homes in Redlands typically sell in the $650,000 to $850,000 range, with historic districts and luxury estates pushing well above $1 million to $3 million+.
Rent: a two-bedroom apartment averages roughly $2,100 to $2,600 per month. Single-family rentals run higher.
Property taxes: California's base rate is about 1.1% to 1.25% of assessed value annually, plus local bonds and Mello-Roos in some newer communities.
HOA fees: vary widely by neighborhood, from $0 in older historic areas to a few hundred dollars a month in newer master-planned communities.
Compared to Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego, Redlands still delivers real value. You get a bigger lot, a quieter street, and a shorter commute to the mountains.
Utilities and Everyday Expenses
Redlands summers are hot, so budget for air conditioning.
Electricity: expect $150 to $300+ per month depending on home size and season, especially June through September.
Water: $80 to $150 per month, higher for larger lots and landscaping.
Gas: $30 to $80 per month.
Internet and cable: $60 to $130 per month depending on provider and speed.
Solar is common here, and I get a lot of questions from buyers about NEM 3.0 and how existing solar systems transfer with a home sale. It's worth asking your agent about this before you write an offer.
Groceries and Dining
Grocery costs in Redlands run close to the California average, which is higher than the national average. A family of four should budget roughly $900 to $1,200 per month for groceries. Downtown Redlands has a strong local dining scene, from casual spots on State Street to well-regarded sit-down restaurants, so eating out here is genuinely enjoyable, not just convenient.
Transportation
Redlands sits at the crossroads of the 10 and 210 freeways, which makes commuting to San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario, and even Orange County manageable. The Metrolink Redlands Passenger Rail Line also connects to the wider Inland Empire and LA network.
Gas prices in California run above the national average, so factor that into your commute costs.
Car insurance averages $150 to $250 per month depending on coverage and driving history.
Many Redlands neighborhoods are walkable, especially near downtown and the University of Redlands, which can reduce day-to-day driving.
Healthcare
Redlands is home to Redlands Community Hospital and sits close to several major medical systems in San Bernardino and Loma Linda, including Loma Linda University Health, one of the top medical centers in the Inland Empire. Healthcare access here is a real advantage compared to more rural parts of Southern California.
Taxes and Income Considerations
California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country, and that's worth planning for if you're relocating from a no-income-tax state like Texas or Florida. Sales tax in Redlands runs around 8%. Weigh this against the trade-off: strong home appreciation, quality of life, and proximity to mountains, desert, and coast all within a couple of hours.
Is Redlands Worth the Cost?
I've watched this community for over two decades, and I can tell you Redlands consistently delivers. You're getting historic architecture, top-rated schools, a walkable downtown, orange grove views, and a 20 to 30 minute drive to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead. For families and professionals leaving LA or Orange County, the cost of living in Redlands feels like a relief, not a compromise.
If you're comparing Redlands to nearby cities like Yucaipa, Loma Linda, or Highland, the costs are similar, but Redlands offers more historic character and a stronger downtown core, which tends to support long-term home values.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you're relocating for work, downsizing, or searching for a luxury estate, I can walk you through exactly what your money buys in today's Redlands market, neighborhood by neighborhood. I also offer every seller client complimentary home staging through my company, Reveal Home Staging, something most agents can't provide.
Cristina Caministeanu, Redlands Luxury Real Estate Expert with 25+ years and 1,000+ Homes Sold.
Your Home. My Mission.
📞 909.213.8565 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 redlandsrealestatepros.com
