Cost of Living in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Population 7,233 · California · Data vintage 2023

179
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Mammoth Lakes run well above the national baseline, with a median of $657,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $87,121 place the city among the better-paid California metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Mammoth Lakes is about 65 miles northeast of Clovis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than Clovis' $453,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 215
Rent 125

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

About the Cost of Living in Mammoth Lakes

The median home value in Mammoth Lakes is $657,000 — 115% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,637/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,121/year is 17% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.3%, below 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, Mammoth Lakes has a cost of living index of 179 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 79% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$657,000
115% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$220,742
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,637/mo
25% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
33.4x
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 61.5%
Renter-occupied 38.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,637
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,251/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
15.1 min
44% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.8%
Carpooled
5.3%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
4.3%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
12.8%

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
$87,121
17% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,390
Unemployment Rate
1.3%
74% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
82.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 14.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.7
Male median age 38.3
Female median age 36.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 24 — Good
89%
Good air days/yr
1829
Max AQI recorded
234
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mammoth Lakes, CA?

Mammoth Lakes has a cost index of 179 (100 = national average). It is 79% above the national average.

What is average rent in Mammoth Lakes, CA?

The median gross rent in Mammoth Lakes is $1,637 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Mammoth Lakes?

The median home value in Mammoth Lakes is $657,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Mammoth Lakes?

The median household income in Mammoth Lakes is $87,121 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Mammoth Lakes, CA?

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

Is Mammoth Lakes, CA affordable?

Mammoth Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 179 — about 79% higher than the national average.

Mammoth Lakes at a Glance

Population
7,233
Median Income
$87,121
Home Value
$657,000
Median Rent
$1,637/mo
Unemployment
1.3%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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