Cost of Living in Los Osos, CA
Population 15,048 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Los Osos sits 139% above the national median — $728,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $103,504 (39% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 35 miles northwest of Santa Maria, Los Osos falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 52% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Los Osos
The median home value in Los Osos is $728,000 — 139% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,909/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,504/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, Los Osos has a cost of living index of 201 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 101% 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 | 65 | 65 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 77 | 71 | 65 |
| Low °F | 41 | 42 | 45 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 55 | 53 | 50 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.86 | 3.54 | 3.17 | 1.05 | 0.47 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.92 | 1.43 | 3.27 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Los Osos, CA?
Los Osos has a cost index of 201 (100 = national average). It is 101% above the national average.
What is average rent in Los Osos, CA?
The median gross rent in Los Osos is $1,909 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Los Osos?
The median home value in Los Osos is $728,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Los Osos?
The median household income in Los Osos is $103,504 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Los Osos, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Los Osos is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Los Osos, CA affordable?
Los Osos is above average in cost of living, with an index of 201 — about 101% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Los Osos?
Los Osos has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 47.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Los Osos at a Glance
- Population
- 15,048
- Median Income
- $103,504
- Home Value
- $728,000
- Median Rent
- $1,909/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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