Cost of Living in North Fair Oaks, CA

Population 13,327 · California · Data vintage 2023

307
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in North Fair Oaks sits 297% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $106,690 (43% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 8 miles southeast of San Mateo, North Fair Oaks falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than San Mateo's $1.6 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 397
Rent 174

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

About the Cost of Living in North Fair Oaks

The median home value in North Fair Oaks is $1,209,600 — 297% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,284/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,690/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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, North Fair Oaks has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,209,600
297% above avg
Median Rent
$2,284/mo
74% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
44.1x
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 51.5%
Renter-occupied 48.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,284
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,898/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
24.1 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.0%
Carpooled
14.6%
Public transit
2.4%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
1.8%
Work from home
16.4%

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
$106,690
43% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,733
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
51% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Labor Force Participation
65.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.6%
Graduate degree 11.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.8
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 34.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
97.8%
Good air days/yr
71
Max AQI recorded
16
PM2.5 days
295
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Fair Oaks, CA?

North Fair Oaks has a cost index of 307 (100 = national average). It is 207% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Fair Oaks, CA?

The median gross rent in North Fair Oaks is $2,284 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Fair Oaks?

The median home value in North Fair Oaks is $1,209,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Fair Oaks?

The median household income in North Fair Oaks is $106,690 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Fair Oaks, CA?

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

Is North Fair Oaks, CA affordable?

North Fair Oaks is above average in cost of living, with an index of 307 — about 207% higher than the national average.