Cost of Living in Morro Bay, CA
Population 10,717 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Morro Bay's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $865,000 for a typical home, 184% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $92,553 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Morro Bay is about 40 miles northwest of Santa Maria, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 81% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Morro Bay
The median home value in Morro Bay is $864,900 — 184% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,820/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,553/year is 24% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, Morro Bay has a cost of living index of 226 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 126% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 65 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 77 | 71 | 65 |
| Low °F | 41 | 42 | 45 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 55 | 53 | 50 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.86 | 3.54 | 3.17 | 1.05 | 0.47 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.92 | 1.43 | 3.27 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Morro Bay, CA?
Morro Bay has a cost index of 226 (100 = national average). It is 126% above the national average.
What is average rent in Morro Bay, CA?
The median gross rent in Morro Bay is $1,820 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Morro Bay?
The median home value in Morro Bay is $864,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Morro Bay?
The median household income in Morro Bay is $92,553 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Morro Bay, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Morro Bay is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Morro Bay, CA affordable?
Morro Bay is above average in cost of living, with an index of 226 — about 126% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Morro Bay?
Morro Bay has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 47.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Morro Bay at a Glance
- Population
- 10,717
- Median Income
- $92,553
- Home Value
- $864,900
- Median Rent
- $1,820/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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