Cost of Living in Bret Harte, CA
Population 4,807 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Bret Harte run well below national norms — a median of $42,422 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. Around 44% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located <5 miles south of Modesto, Bret Harte falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Modesto's $416,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bret Harte
The median home value in Bret Harte is $289,300 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,360/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,422/year is 43% 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%. The climate averages highs of 75.9°F and lows of 50.3°F. Overall, Bret Harte has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.
Bret Harte has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 90 | 95 | 94 | 89 | 79 | 66 | 56 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 59 | 52 | 43 | 39 |
| Precip" | 2.57 | 2.22 | 1.78 | 1.00 | 0.65 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.55 | 1.07 | 2.21 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bret Harte, CA?
Bret Harte has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bret Harte, CA?
The median gross rent in Bret Harte is $1,360 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bret Harte?
The median home value in Bret Harte is $289,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bret Harte?
The median household income in Bret Harte is $42,422 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bret Harte, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bret Harte is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Bret Harte, CA affordable?
Bret Harte is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Bret Harte?
Bret Harte has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 50.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bret Harte at a Glance
- Population
- 4,807
- Median Income
- $42,422
- Home Value
- $289,300
- Median Rent
- $1,360/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs