Cost of Living in La Cresta, CA
Population 8,558 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives La Cresta a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $237,000. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles northeast of Bakersfield, La Cresta falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Cresta
The median home value in La Cresta is $236,800 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,097/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,836/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 78.2°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, La Cresta has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
La Cresta has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 84 | 92 | 98 | 97 | 91 | 80 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 58 | 65 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 55 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.18 | 1.15 | 0.60 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.28 | 0.51 | 1.10 |
| Snow" | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in La Cresta, CA?
La Cresta has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in La Cresta, CA?
The median gross rent in La Cresta is $1,097 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Cresta?
The median home value in La Cresta is $236,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in La Cresta?
The median household income in La Cresta is $49,836 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Cresta, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Cresta is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is La Cresta, CA affordable?
Yes, La Cresta is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in La Cresta?
La Cresta has average high temperatures of 78.2°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 6.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
La Cresta at a Glance
- Population
- 8,558
- Median Income
- $49,836
- Home Value
- $236,800
- Median Rent
- $1,097/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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