Cost of Living in California Polytechnic State University, CA

Population 7,529 · California · Data vintage 2023

170
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Located 30 miles northwest of Santa Maria, California Polytechnic State University falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 170

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

About the Cost of Living in California Polytechnic State University

The median home value in California Polytechnic State University is $518,800 — 70% above the national median of $305,000. The local unemployment rate is 17.6%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, California Polytechnic State University has a cost of living index of 170 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 70% more expensive.

🎓

California Polytechnic State University is a campus community

This Census-Designated Place covers the California Polytechnic State University campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$518,800
70% above avg
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 61.7%
Renter-occupied 38.3%

🛒 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
19.0 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
16.1%
Carpooled
8.9%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
55.2%
Bicycle
6.4%
Work from home
13.0%

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

Per Capita Income
$5,540
Unemployment Rate
17.6%
266% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Labor Force Participation
33.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.3%
Graduate degree 51.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 19.2
Male median age 19.3
Female median age 19.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.9°F
Avg Low
47.4°F
Annual Precip
17.9"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 656567697275787980777165
Low °F 414245464851545553504540
Precip" 3.863.543.171.050.470.100.080.010.040.921.433.27

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
56.7%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
115
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in California Polytechnic State University, CA?

California Polytechnic State University has a cost index of 170 (100 = national average). It is 70% above the national average.

What is the average home price in California Polytechnic State University?

The median home value in California Polytechnic State University is $518,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the sales tax in California Polytechnic State University, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in California Polytechnic State University is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is California Polytechnic State University, CA affordable?

California Polytechnic State University is above average in cost of living, with an index of 170 — about 70% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in California Polytechnic State University?

California Polytechnic State University has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 47.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

California Polytechnic State University at a Glance

Population
7,529
Home Value
$518,800
Unemployment
17.6%
Avg High Temp
71.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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