Cost of Living in Oceanside, CA
Population 172,542 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Oceanside sits 130% above the national median — $702,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $93,724 (26% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oceanside
The median home value in Oceanside is $702,000 — 130% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,207/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,724/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 50.7°F. Overall, Oceanside has a cost of living index of 205 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 105% 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 | 67 | 66 | 66 | 69 | 70 | 73 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 75 | 71 | 66 |
| Low °F | 41 | 42 | 46 | 48 | 54 | 58 | 62 | 62 | 59 | 53 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 2.37 | 2.90 | 1.68 | 0.87 | 0.30 | 0.11 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.13 | 0.64 | 0.79 | 1.98 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oceanside, CA?
Oceanside has a cost index of 205 (100 = national average). It is 105% above the national average.
What is average rent in Oceanside, CA?
The median gross rent in Oceanside is $2,207 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oceanside?
The median home value in Oceanside is $702,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oceanside?
The median household income in Oceanside is $93,724 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oceanside, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oceanside is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Oceanside, CA affordable?
Oceanside is above average in cost of living, with an index of 205 — about 105% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Oceanside?
Oceanside has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 50.7°F. Annual precipitation is 11.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oceanside at a Glance
- Population
- 172,542
- Median Income
- $93,724
- Home Value
- $702,000
- Median Rent
- $2,207/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°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