Cost of Living in Fort Bragg, CA
Population 7,001 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Bragg a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $481,000. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fort Bragg lies roughly 90 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Santa Rosa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Santa Rosa's $685,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Bragg
The median home value in Fort Bragg is $481,200 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,264/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,580/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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%. Overall, Fort Bragg has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.
Fort Bragg is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Bragg, CA?
Fort Bragg has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Bragg, CA?
The median gross rent in Fort Bragg is $1,264 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Bragg?
The median home value in Fort Bragg is $481,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Bragg?
The median household income in Fort Bragg is $53,580 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Bragg, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Bragg is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fort Bragg, CA affordable?
Fort Bragg is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.
Fort Bragg at a Glance
- Population
- 7,001
- Median Income
- $53,580
- Home Value
- $481,200
- Median Rent
- $1,264/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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