Cost of Living in Delano, CA

Population 50,835 · California · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Delano's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $61,817 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 11.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Delano is about 30 miles northwest of Bakersfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 89
Rent 85

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

About the Cost of Living in Delano

The median home value in Delano is $270,300 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,111/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,817/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.4%, 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 78.2°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, Delano has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$270,300
11% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$326,747
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,111/mo
15% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,907/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3x
Favors renting
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 62.1%
Renter-occupied 37.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,111
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,725/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 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
22.0 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.1%
Carpooled
23.1%
Walked
0.6%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
2.5%

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

Median Household Income
$61,817
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,266
Unemployment Rate
11.4%
137% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
Labor Force Participation
54.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.5%
Graduate degree 1.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.5
Male median age 33.2
Female median age 33.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.2°F
Avg Low
54.2°F
Annual Precip
6.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596470768492989791806759
Low °F 414347515865717065554540
Precip" 1.191.181.150.600.250.050.000.000.050.280.511.10
Snow" 0.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 69 — Moderate
23.3%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
135
PM2.5 days
217
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Delano, CA?

Delano has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Delano, CA?

The median gross rent in Delano is $1,111 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Delano?

The median home value in Delano is $270,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Delano?

The median household income in Delano is $61,817 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Delano, CA?

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

Is Delano, CA affordable?

Yes, Delano is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Delano?

Delano has average high temperatures of 78.2°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 6.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Delano at a Glance

Population
50,835
Median Income
$61,817
Home Value
$270,300
Median Rent
$1,111/mo
Unemployment
11.4%
Avg High Temp
78.2°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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