Cost of Living in Buellton, CA
Population 5,090 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buellton's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $704,000 for a typical home, 131% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $96,028 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 25 miles southeast of Santa Maria, Buellton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 47% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buellton
The median home value in Buellton is $704,200 — 131% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,196/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,028/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below 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, Buellton has a cost of living index of 205 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 105% more expensive.
Buellton 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buellton, CA?
Buellton has a cost index of 205 (100 = national average). It is 105% above the national average.
What is average rent in Buellton, CA?
The median gross rent in Buellton is $2,196 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buellton?
The median home value in Buellton is $704,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buellton?
The median household income in Buellton is $96,028 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buellton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buellton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Buellton, CA affordable?
Buellton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 205 — about 105% higher than the national average.
Buellton at a Glance
- Population
- 5,090
- Median Income
- $96,028
- Home Value
- $704,200
- Median Rent
- $2,196/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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