Cost of Living in Lucerne, CA
Population 3,156 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lucerne's median household income of $47,460 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 (18% here). At 8.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 40 miles north of Santa Rosa, Lucerne falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 66% lower than Santa Rosa's $685,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lucerne
The median home value in Lucerne is $234,400 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,368/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,460/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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, Lucerne has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.
Lucerne 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 Lucerne, CA?
Lucerne has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lucerne, CA?
The median gross rent in Lucerne is $1,368 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lucerne?
The median home value in Lucerne is $234,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lucerne?
The median household income in Lucerne is $47,460 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lucerne, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lucerne is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lucerne, CA affordable?
Yes, Lucerne is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
Lucerne at a Glance
- Population
- 3,156
- Median Income
- $47,460
- Home Value
- $234,400
- Median Rent
- $1,368/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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