Cost of Living in Oceano, CA

Population 7,098 · California · Data vintage 2023

145
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Oceano a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $519,000.

Geographically, Oceano sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Santa Maria. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 170
Rent 108

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

About the Cost of Living in Oceano

The median home value in Oceano is $518,500 — 70% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,424/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,448/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 71.9°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, Oceano has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$518,500
70% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$245,729
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,424/mo
8% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,175/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.3x
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 61.3%
Renter-occupied 38.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,424
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,038/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
21.4 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.0%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
11.9%

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
$69,448
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,764
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
34% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
Labor Force Participation
59.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.2%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.4
Male median age 44.1
Female median age 47.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.9°F
Avg Low
47.4°F
Annual Precip
17.9"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 656567697275787980777165
Low °F 414245464851545553504540
Precip" 3.863.543.171.050.470.100.080.010.040.921.433.27

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
56.7%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
115
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Oceano, CA?

Oceano has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.

What is average rent in Oceano, CA?

The median gross rent in Oceano is $1,424 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Oceano?

The median home value in Oceano is $518,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Oceano?

The median household income in Oceano is $69,448 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Oceano, CA?

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

Is Oceano, CA affordable?

Oceano is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Oceano?

Oceano 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.

Oceano at a Glance

Population
7,098
Median Income
$69,448
Home Value
$518,500
Median Rent
$1,424/mo
Unemployment
3.2%
Avg High Temp
71.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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