Cost of Living in Lake Isabella, CA
Population 3,654 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lake Isabella's median household income of $26,763 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (39% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Lake Isabella is about 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 68% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Isabella
The median home value in Lake Isabella is $112,200 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,138/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $26,763/year is 64% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.7%, 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 Isabella has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Lake Isabella 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 Isabella, CA?
Lake Isabella has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Isabella, CA?
The median gross rent in Lake Isabella is $1,138 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Isabella?
The median home value in Lake Isabella is $112,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Isabella?
The median household income in Lake Isabella is $26,763 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Isabella, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Isabella is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lake Isabella, CA affordable?
Yes, Lake Isabella is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
Lake Isabella at a Glance
- Population
- 3,654
- Median Income
- $26,763
- Home Value
- $112,200
- Median Rent
- $1,138/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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