Cost of Living in Isla Vista, CA
Population 13,717 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Isla Vista cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.2 million, roughly 4 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. Rent burden runs high: typical rents of $1,856/month consume roughly 91% of median household income, past the 30% threshold most affordability frameworks flag as strained.
Located 35 miles west of San Buenaventura (Ventura), Isla Vista falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 59% 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 Isla Vista
The median home value in Isla Vista is $1,241,700 — 307% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,856/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $24,428/year is 67% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 17.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 67.3°F and lows of 49.6°F. Overall, Isla Vista has a cost of living index of 301 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 201% 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 | 62 | 65 | 65 | 68 | 68 | 71 | 72 | 71 | 72 | 68 | 63 |
| Low °F | 43 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 56 | 51 | 46 | 42 |
| Precip" | 4.70 | 4.34 | 3.29 | 1.04 | 0.46 | 0.14 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.09 | 0.81 | 1.22 | 2.81 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Isla Vista, CA?
Isla Vista has a cost index of 301 (100 = national average). It is 201% above the national average.
What is average rent in Isla Vista, CA?
The median gross rent in Isla Vista is $1,856 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Isla Vista?
The median home value in Isla Vista is $1,241,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Isla Vista?
The median household income in Isla Vista is $24,428 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Isla Vista, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Isla Vista is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Isla Vista, CA affordable?
Isla Vista is above average in cost of living, with an index of 301 — about 201% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Isla Vista?
Isla Vista has average high temperatures of 67.3°F and average lows of 49.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Isla Vista at a Glance
- Population
- 13,717
- Median Income
- $24,428
- Home Value
- $1,241,700
- Median Rent
- $1,856/mo
- Unemployment
- 17.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs