Cost of Living in Barstow, CA
Population 25,198 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Barstow cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $223,000, rents near $1,065 a month. At 10.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles northeast of Victorville, Barstow falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Victorville's $343,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Barstow
The median home value in Barstow is $222,600 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,065/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,811/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 82.1°F and lows of 53.8°F. Overall, Barstow has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 89 | 99 | 105 | 104 | 96 | 83 | 70 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 40 | 46 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 74 | 73 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 35 |
| Precip" | 0.57 | 0.70 | 0.43 | 0.22 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.28 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 0.24 | 0.32 | 0.56 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Barstow, CA?
Barstow has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Barstow, CA?
The median gross rent in Barstow is $1,065 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Barstow?
The median home value in Barstow is $222,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Barstow?
The median household income in Barstow is $51,811 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Barstow, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Barstow is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Barstow, CA affordable?
Yes, Barstow is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Barstow?
Barstow has average high temperatures of 82.1°F and average lows of 53.8°F. Annual precipitation is 3.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Barstow at a Glance
- Population
- 25,198
- Median Income
- $51,811
- Home Value
- $222,600
- Median Rent
- $1,065/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 82.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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