Cost of Living in Cambria, CA
Population 6,038 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Cambria sits 185% above the national median — $868,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $89,049 (19% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 55 miles northwest of Santa Maria, Cambria is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 82% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cambria
The median home value in Cambria is $868,400 — 185% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,923/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,049/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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 76.8°F and lows of 43.2°F. Overall, Cambria has a cost of living index of 229 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 129% more expensive.
Cambria 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 | 61 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 81 | 89 | 93 | 94 | 90 | 81 | 69 | 60 |
| Low °F | 35 | 37 | 40 | 41 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 53 | 50 | 44 | 37 | 33 |
| Precip" | 2.74 | 2.48 | 2.42 | 0.60 | 0.31 | 0.04 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.56 | 0.87 | 1.98 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cambria, CA?
Cambria has a cost index of 229 (100 = national average). It is 129% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cambria, CA?
The median gross rent in Cambria is $1,923 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cambria?
The median home value in Cambria is $868,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cambria?
The median household income in Cambria is $89,049 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cambria, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cambria is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Cambria, CA affordable?
Cambria is above average in cost of living, with an index of 229 — about 129% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Cambria?
Cambria has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 43.2°F. Annual precipitation is 12.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cambria at a Glance
- Population
- 6,038
- Median Income
- $89,049
- Home Value
- $868,400
- Median Rent
- $1,923/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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