Cost of Living in Lathrop, CA

Population 32,696 · California · Data vintage 2023

191
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Lathrop run well above the national baseline, with a median of $605,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $118,605 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Lathrop sits roughly 12 miles south of Stockton — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% higher than Stockton's $413,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 198
Rent 180

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lathrop

The median home value in Lathrop is $605,000 — 98% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,367/month, 80% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,605/year is 59% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, 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 76.7°F and lows of 49.4°F. Overall, Lathrop has a cost of living index of 191 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 91% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$605,000
98% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$642,562
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,367/mo
80% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,953/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 83.8%
Renter-occupied 16.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,367
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,981/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
45.0 min
67% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.5%
Carpooled
13.7%
Public transit
2.1%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
10.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$118,605
59% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,037
Unemployment Rate
9.0%
88% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
65.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.3%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.2
Male median age 33.7
Female median age 34.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.7°F
Avg Low
49.4°F
Annual Precip
13.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576369758390959490806757
Low °F 394144475358616058514338
Precip" 2.672.501.911.110.570.100.000.010.080.691.402.41

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
57%
Good air days/yr
119
Max AQI recorded
194
PM2.5 days
161
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lathrop, CA?

Lathrop has a cost index of 191 (100 = national average). It is 91% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lathrop, CA?

The median gross rent in Lathrop is $2,367 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lathrop?

The median home value in Lathrop is $605,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lathrop?

The median household income in Lathrop is $118,605 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lathrop, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lathrop is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Lathrop, CA affordable?

Lathrop is above average in cost of living, with an index of 191 — about 91% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lathrop?

Lathrop has average high temperatures of 76.7°F and average lows of 49.4°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lathrop at a Glance

Population
32,696
Median Income
$118,605
Home Value
$605,000
Median Rent
$2,367/mo
Unemployment
9.0%
Avg High Temp
76.7°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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