Cost of Living in McFarland, CA
Population 14,138 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
McFarland is a smaller California community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,801 and housing costs ($246,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. A poverty rate near 28% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, McFarland sits roughly 25 miles northwest of Bakersfield. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in McFarland
The median home value in McFarland is $245,500 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,067/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,801/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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 78.2°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, McFarland has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less 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 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 84 | 92 | 98 | 97 | 91 | 80 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 58 | 65 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 55 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.18 | 1.15 | 0.60 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.28 | 0.51 | 1.10 |
| Snow" | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in McFarland, CA?
McFarland has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in McFarland, CA?
The median gross rent in McFarland is $1,067 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in McFarland?
The median home value in McFarland is $245,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in McFarland?
The median household income in McFarland is $51,801 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in McFarland, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in McFarland is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is McFarland, CA affordable?
Yes, McFarland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in McFarland?
McFarland has average high temperatures of 78.2°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 6.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
McFarland at a Glance
- Population
- 14,138
- Median Income
- $51,801
- Home Value
- $245,500
- Median Rent
- $1,067/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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