Cost of Living in Nevada City, CA

Population 3,168 · California · Data vintage 2023

173
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

$607,000 is the going rate for a typical Nevada City home, 99% over the national median. Rents of $1,756/month track the same premium. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 35 miles northeast of Roseville, Nevada City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Roseville's $631,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 199
Rent 134

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

About the Cost of Living in Nevada City

The median home value in Nevada City is $607,300 — 99% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,756/month, 34% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,552/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, below 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, Nevada City has a cost of living index of 173 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 73% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$607,300
99% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$537,507
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,756/mo
34% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,193/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.8x
Favors renting
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 44.8%
Renter-occupied 55.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,756
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,370/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
29.6 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.8%
Carpooled
1.6%
Walked
4.3%
Work from home
31.2%

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
$69,552
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$42,845
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Labor Force Participation
54.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.7%
Graduate degree 17.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.4
Male median age 45.3
Female median age 58.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
77.7%
Good air days/yr
97
Max AQI recorded
257
PM2.5 days
106
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nevada City, CA?

Nevada City has a cost index of 173 (100 = national average). It is 73% above the national average.

What is average rent in Nevada City, CA?

The median gross rent in Nevada City is $1,756 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Nevada City?

The median home value in Nevada City is $607,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Nevada City?

The median household income in Nevada City is $69,552 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Nevada City, CA?

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

Is Nevada City, CA affordable?

Nevada City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 173 — about 73% higher than the national average.