Cost of Living in Nipomo, CA
Population 17,266 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Nipomo's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $674,000 for a typical home, 121% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $102,382 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Nipomo sits roughly 7 miles northwest of Santa Maria. Median home values run roughly 41% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Nipomo
The median home value in Nipomo is $674,100 — 121% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,956/month, 49% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,382/year is 37% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 69.6°F and lows of 47.6°F. Overall, Nipomo has a cost of living index of 192 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 92% 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 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 49 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 50 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 2.74 | 2.85 | 2.56 | 0.93 | 0.36 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.54 | 1.12 | 2.05 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Nipomo, CA?
Nipomo has a cost index of 192 (100 = national average). It is 92% above the national average.
What is average rent in Nipomo, CA?
The median gross rent in Nipomo is $1,956 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Nipomo?
The median home value in Nipomo is $674,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Nipomo?
The median household income in Nipomo is $102,382 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Nipomo, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Nipomo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Nipomo, CA affordable?
Nipomo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 192 — about 92% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Nipomo?
Nipomo has average high temperatures of 69.6°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 13.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Nipomo at a Glance
- Population
- 17,266
- Median Income
- $102,382
- Home Value
- $674,100
- Median Rent
- $1,956/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs