Cost of Living in Brawley, CA
Population 26,934 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brawley lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $270,000 — 11% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in California. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 85 miles east of El Cajon, Brawley is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than El Cajon's $633,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brawley
The median home value in Brawley is $270,100 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $954/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,370/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.4%, 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 88.6°F and lows of 58.7°F. Overall, Brawley has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% 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 | 71 | 74 | 80 | 86 | 94 | 104 | 108 | 108 | 102 | 90 | 78 | 69 |
| Low °F | 42 | 45 | 51 | 56 | 62 | 70 | 78 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 41 |
| Precip" | 0.41 | 0.38 | 0.29 | 0.08 | 0.07 | 0.00 | 0.11 | 0.15 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.18 | 0.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brawley, CA?
Brawley has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brawley, CA?
The median gross rent in Brawley is $954 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brawley?
The median home value in Brawley is $270,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brawley?
The median household income in Brawley is $60,370 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brawley, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brawley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Brawley, CA affordable?
Yes, Brawley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brawley?
Brawley has average high temperatures of 88.6°F and average lows of 58.7°F. Annual precipitation is 2.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brawley at a Glance
- Population
- 26,934
- Median Income
- $60,370
- Home Value
- $270,100
- Median Rent
- $954/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 88.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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