Cost of Living in McKinleyville, CA
Population 17,152 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
McKinleyville is a smaller California community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $66,096 and housing costs ($414,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
McKinleyville lies roughly 145 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Chico — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in McKinleyville
The median home value in McKinleyville is $414,200 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,441/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,096/year is 11% 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%. Overall, McKinleyville has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in McKinleyville, CA?
McKinleyville has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.
What is average rent in McKinleyville, CA?
The median gross rent in McKinleyville is $1,441 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in McKinleyville?
The median home value in McKinleyville is $414,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in McKinleyville?
The median household income in McKinleyville is $66,096 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in McKinleyville, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in McKinleyville is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is McKinleyville, CA affordable?
McKinleyville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.
McKinleyville at a Glance
- Population
- 17,152
- Median Income
- $66,096
- Home Value
- $414,200
- Median Rent
- $1,441/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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