Cost of Living in Los Banos, CA
Population 46,776 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Los Banos is a long average commute — 53 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 9.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 40 miles south of Modesto, Los Banos falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Modesto's $416,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Los Banos
The median home value in Los Banos is $419,600 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,515/month, 15% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,893/year is 5% lower 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 75.8°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Los Banos has a cost of living index of 129 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% 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 | 56 | 62 | 67 | 73 | 82 | 90 | 96 | 94 | 90 | 79 | 65 | 56 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 40 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 52 | 50 | 45 | 38 | 34 |
| Precip" | 2.40 | 2.02 | 1.75 | 0.73 | 0.38 | 0.13 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.11 | 0.57 | 0.87 | 1.47 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Los Banos, CA?
Los Banos has a cost index of 129 (100 = national average). It is 29% above the national average.
What is average rent in Los Banos, CA?
The median gross rent in Los Banos is $1,515 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Los Banos?
The median home value in Los Banos is $419,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Los Banos?
The median household income in Los Banos is $70,893 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Los Banos, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Los Banos is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Los Banos, CA affordable?
Los Banos is above average in cost of living, with an index of 129 — about 29% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Los Banos?
Los Banos has average high temperatures of 75.8°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 10.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Los Banos at a Glance
- Population
- 46,776
- Median Income
- $70,893
- Home Value
- $419,600
- Median Rent
- $1,515/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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