Cost of Living in Apple Valley, CA

Population 75,478 · California · Data vintage 2023

116
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

A 41-minute average commute puts Apple Valley squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $377,000 reflect that spatial discount. At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Apple Valley sits roughly 8 miles east of Victorville. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Victorville's $343,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 124
Rent 104

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Apple Valley

The median home value in Apple Valley is $377,300 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,373/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,926/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Apple Valley has a cost of living index of 116 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$377,300
24% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$427,910
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,373/mo
4% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,953/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 69.3%
Renter-occupied 30.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,373
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,987/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
40.5 min
50% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.3%
Carpooled
12.5%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
8.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$65,926
12% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,495
Unemployment Rate
8.8%
83% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Labor Force Participation
53.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.2%
Graduate degree 8.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5
Male median age 35
Female median age 35.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 71 — Moderate
13.7%
Good air days/yr
214
Max AQI recorded
137
PM2.5 days
205
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Apple Valley, CA?

Apple Valley has a cost index of 116 (100 = national average). It is 16% above the national average.

What is average rent in Apple Valley, CA?

The median gross rent in Apple Valley is $1,373 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Apple Valley?

The median home value in Apple Valley is $377,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Apple Valley?

The median household income in Apple Valley is $65,926 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Apple Valley, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Apple Valley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Apple Valley, CA affordable?

Apple Valley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 116 — about 16% higher than the national average.