Cost of Living in Mojave, CA

Population 4,442 · California · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Mojave sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 11.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 20 miles north of Lancaster, Mojave falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Lancaster's $409,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 67
Rent 88

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

About the Cost of Living in Mojave

The median home value in Mojave is $204,400 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,154/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,800/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.7%, 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 77.1°F and lows of 47.1°F. Overall, Mojave has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$204,400
33% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$415,547
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,154/mo
12% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.8x
Favors buying
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 39.6%
Renter-occupied 60.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,154
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,768/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
34.7 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.2%
Carpooled
7.7%
Work from home
11.3%

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
$50,800
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,662
Unemployment Rate
11.7%
142% above avg
Poverty Rate
27.8%
Labor Force Participation
60.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.7%
Graduate degree 2.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.4
Male median age 28.9
Female median age 39.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.1°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
6.8"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596267738291989891806758
Low °F 313540455362676557463530
Precip" 1.461.760.960.390.100.050.140.010.120.340.371.11

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 69 — Moderate
23.3%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
135
PM2.5 days
217
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mojave, CA?

Mojave has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Mojave, CA?

The median gross rent in Mojave is $1,154 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Mojave?

The median home value in Mojave is $204,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Mojave?

The median household income in Mojave is $50,800 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Mojave, CA?

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

Is Mojave, CA affordable?

Yes, Mojave is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Mojave?

Mojave has average high temperatures of 77.1°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 6.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Mojave at a Glance

Population
4,442
Median Income
$50,800
Home Value
$204,400
Median Rent
$1,154/mo
Unemployment
11.7%
Avg High Temp
77.1°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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