Cost of Living in Calipatria, CA
Population 6,549 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Calipatria a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $173,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Calipatria lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, El Cajon — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than El Cajon's $633,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Calipatria
The median home value in Calipatria is $172,900 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $917/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,672/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.5%, 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, Calipatria has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
Calipatria 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 | 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 Calipatria, CA?
Calipatria has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Calipatria, CA?
The median gross rent in Calipatria is $917 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Calipatria?
The median home value in Calipatria is $172,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Calipatria?
The median household income in Calipatria is $52,672 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Calipatria, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Calipatria is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Calipatria, CA affordable?
Yes, Calipatria is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Calipatria?
Calipatria 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.
Calipatria at a Glance
- Population
- 6,549
- Median Income
- $52,672
- Home Value
- $172,900
- Median Rent
- $917/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 88.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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