Cost of Living in Fortuna, CA
Population 12,413 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fortuna sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Fortuna lies roughly 135 miles west of the nearest major metro, Chico. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fortuna
The median home value in Fortuna is $353,200 — 16% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,126/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,603/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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, Fortuna has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
🏠 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 Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fortuna, CA?
The median gross rent in Fortuna is $1,126 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fortuna?
The median home value in Fortuna is $353,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fortuna?
The median household income in Fortuna is $61,603 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fortuna, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fortuna is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fortuna, CA affordable?
Fortuna is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
Fortuna at a Glance
- Population
- 12,413
- Median Income
- $61,603
- Home Value
- $353,200
- Median Rent
- $1,126/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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