Cost of Living in Lake California, CA
Population 3,805 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Lake California a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $339,000.
Geographically, Lake California is about 45 miles northwest of Chico, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake California
The median home value in Lake California is $338,700 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,714/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,278/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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, Lake California has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.
Lake California 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake California, CA?
Lake California has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake California, CA?
The median gross rent in Lake California is $1,714 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake California?
The median home value in Lake California is $338,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lake California?
The median household income in Lake California is $95,278 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake California, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake California is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lake California, CA affordable?
Lake California is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
Lake California at a Glance
- Population
- 3,805
- Median Income
- $95,278
- Home Value
- $338,700
- Median Rent
- $1,714/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- 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