Cost of Living in Madera, CA
Population 67,133 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Madera cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $336,000, rents near $1,237 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 20 miles northwest of Fresno, Madera falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Fresno's $349,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Madera
The median home value in Madera is $335,900 — 10% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,237/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,619/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.9%, 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 77.3°F and lows of 49.2°F. Overall, Madera has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% 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 | 57 | 63 | 69 | 75 | 84 | 92 | 98 | 97 | 92 | 80 | 66 | 56 |
| Low °F | 39 | 41 | 44 | 46 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 58 | 50 | 42 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.08 | 1.99 | 1.98 | 0.89 | 0.47 | 0.16 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.44 | 0.92 | 1.82 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madera, CA?
Madera has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Madera, CA?
The median gross rent in Madera is $1,237 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madera?
The median home value in Madera is $335,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Madera?
The median household income in Madera is $63,619 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madera, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madera is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Madera, CA affordable?
Madera is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Madera?
Madera has average high temperatures of 77.3°F and average lows of 49.2°F. Annual precipitation is 10.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Madera at a Glance
- Population
- 67,133
- Median Income
- $63,619
- Home Value
- $335,900
- Median Rent
- $1,237/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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