Cost of Living in Mendota, CA
Population 12,554 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Mendota's median household income of $46,458 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 (30% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 35 miles west of Fresno, Mendota falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Fresno's $349,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mendota
The median home value in Mendota is $250,400 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,458/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.6%, 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, Mendota has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mendota, CA?
Mendota has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mendota, CA?
The median gross rent in Mendota is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mendota?
The median home value in Mendota is $250,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mendota?
The median household income in Mendota is $46,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mendota, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mendota is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Mendota, CA affordable?
Yes, Mendota is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Mendota at a Glance
- Population
- 12,554
- Median Income
- $46,458
- Home Value
- $250,400
- Median Rent
- $874/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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