Cost of Living in Fallbrook, CA

Population 32,467 · California · Data vintage 2023

191
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Fallbrook sits 134% above the national median — $713,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $87,293 (17% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 10 miles southwest of Temecula, Fallbrook falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Temecula's $640,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 234
Rent 127

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

About the Cost of Living in Fallbrook

The median home value in Fallbrook is $713,000 — 134% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,675/month, 27% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,293/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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 53.4°F. Overall, Fallbrook has a cost of living index of 191 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 91% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$713,000
134% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$873,778
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,675/mo
27% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,755/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.5x
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 59.5%
Renter-occupied 40.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,675
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,289/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
34.1 min
26% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.3%
Carpooled
6.9%
Public transit
1.7%
Walked
3.3%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
9.1%

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
$87,293
17% above avg
Per Capita Income
$34,747
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
32% above avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Labor Force Participation
59.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.1%
Graduate degree 10.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.4
Male median age 34.8
Female median age 34

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.8°F
Avg Low
53.4°F
Annual Precip
15.3"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 686770727581878988837467
Low °F 474648515356606262585246
Precip" 3.173.742.021.000.360.120.080.220.110.701.152.64

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
16.7%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
151
PM2.5 days
185
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fallbrook, CA?

Fallbrook has a cost index of 191 (100 = national average). It is 91% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fallbrook, CA?

The median gross rent in Fallbrook is $1,675 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fallbrook?

The median home value in Fallbrook is $713,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fallbrook?

The median household income in Fallbrook is $87,293 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fallbrook, CA?

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

Is Fallbrook, CA affordable?

Fallbrook is above average in cost of living, with an index of 191 — about 91% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fallbrook?

Fallbrook has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 53.4°F. Annual precipitation is 15.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fallbrook at a Glance

Population
32,467
Median Income
$87,293
Home Value
$713,000
Median Rent
$1,675/mo
Unemployment
6.3%
Avg High Temp
76.8°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs