Cost of Living in Goleta, CA
Population 32,693 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Goleta sits 229% above the national median — $1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $118,039 (58% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Goleta is about 35 miles west of San Buenaventura (Ventura), the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than San Buenaventura (Ventura)'s $779,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Goleta
The median home value in Goleta is $1,002,500 — 229% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,385/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,039/year is 58% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below 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 69.2°F and lows of 49.4°F. Overall, Goleta has a cost of living index of 270 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 170% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 64 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 58 | 58 | 56 | 51 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.84 | 3.86 | 3.10 | 0.91 | 0.42 | 0.11 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.73 | 1.27 | 2.91 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Goleta, CA?
Goleta has a cost index of 270 (100 = national average). It is 170% above the national average.
What is average rent in Goleta, CA?
The median gross rent in Goleta is $2,385 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Goleta?
The median home value in Goleta is $1,002,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Goleta?
The median household income in Goleta is $118,039 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Goleta, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Goleta is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Goleta, CA affordable?
Goleta is above average in cost of living, with an index of 270 — about 170% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Goleta?
Goleta has average high temperatures of 69.2°F and average lows of 49.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Goleta at a Glance
- Population
- 32,693
- Median Income
- $118,039
- Home Value
- $1,002,500
- Median Rent
- $2,385/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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