A street scene in Pico Rivera, CA with icons showing housing, tuition, rent, and utilities.

How much does Pico Rivera cost?

September 19, 20253 min read

H2: How expensive is Pico Rivera? The short answer

If you’re weighing a move to Pico Rivera, CA—or budgeting for local colleges—here’s the quick, scannable snapshot most people want:

  • Housing (purchase): Many homes list in the high $700Ks to $900Ks+ range. Verify current values via market reports or indices like Zillow’s data (www.zillow.com/research/data).

  • Rent: One-bedrooms commonly advertise around the low-to-mid $2,000s per month; two-bedrooms often land in the mid-$2,000s to $3,000 range, depending on location and amenities.

  • Utilities: Typical combined electric, gas, water, trash, internet can run roughly $200–$350+ per month, usage-dependent.

  • Transportation: Car ownership remains common; budget for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking. LA Metro options exist for some commutes (www.metro.net).

  • Local college cost-of-attendance: Total cost includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Always check official school pages for the latest figures.

Note: Figures vary by unit type, timing, and your lifestyle. Always verify current numbers.

H2: The story: Two budgets and “one more thing”

Imagine two neighbors on a Pico Rivera street. One rents a sunny one-bedroom; the other just closed on a starter home. Both ask, “So… how expensive is Pico Rivera?”

H3: The renter’s reality (sample framework)

  • Rent: $2,150–$2,500 (1BR) depending on building, parking, in-unit laundry

  • Utilities + Internet: $220–$300

  • Groceries + Dining: Highly variable; set a target (example: $450–$700)

  • Transportation: Car costs add insurance, gas, maintenance; biking or rideshare can trim expenses

  • Storage/Subscriptions: Small recurring expenses add up—review quarterly

H3: The new homeowner’s numbers (sample framework)

  • Mortgage: Depends on price, down payment, and rate. Many recent buyers in Pico Rivera see payments shaped more by interest rates than sticker price.

  • Property taxes: LA County’s base is around 1% of assessed value, plus voter-approved assessments. See the LA County Assessor for specifics: https://assessor.lacounty.gov

  • Home insurance + HOA (if applicable): Obtain quotes early; older homes may require upgrades.

  • Utilities + Maintenance: Budget a maintenance reserve (some use 1% of home value per year as a benchmark).

H2: Cost levers you control (and the ones you don’t)

  • Levers you control:

    • Unit type and location

    • Timing of move

    • Energy usage

    • Meal planning

  • Levers you don’t:

H2: Neighborhoods and schools

Pico Rivera is served by several local school districts. For school-by-school data, see GreatSchools.org and each district’s official site. Always rely on primary sources and your own research.

H2: Mini case studies (composite and anonymized)

  • The commuter saver: Negotiated free weeks on a lease, biked for short errands, saved ~8–10% monthly

  • The rate-watcher: Bought a home needing minor updates, refinanced later, reduced monthly outlay

  • The student strategist: Combined on-campus housing with off-campus co-living, optimized textbooks and meals

H2: FAQs

  • Is Pico Rivera, CA expensive compared to nearby cities?
    Competitive with many LA County communities; exact differences shift with rates and inventory.

  • What is a typical rent in Pico Rivera?
    1BR: low-to-mid $2,000s; 2BR: mid-$2,000s to $3,000+

  • Are property taxes high in Pico Rivera?
    LA County base rate near 1% plus voter-approved items. Confirm with the LA County Assessor.

H2: Tools and links

📞 Contact: Ramon Sanchez
📍 Title: Real Estate Agent
📲 Phone: (562) 715-3103
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://ramonsanchezreg.com

Local expertise, data-backed pricing strategies, and tailored guidance ensure you can plan your Pico Rivera budget smartly and confidently.

Ramon Sanchez Top Real Estate Group with Century 21 Allstars, your Whittier, CA Real Estate agent can help you find your perfect home. Learn about Whittier, CA neighborhoods, Whittier, CA suburbs, and the best places to live in Whittier, CA.

Ramon Sanchez

Ramon Sanchez Top Real Estate Group with Century 21 Allstars, your Whittier, CA Real Estate agent can help you find your perfect home. Learn about Whittier, CA neighborhoods, Whittier, CA suburbs, and the best places to live in Whittier, CA.

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