Cost of Living in Orcutt, CA

Population 31,284 · California · Data vintage 2023

179
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Orcutt run well above the national baseline, with a median of $587,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $108,682 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Orcutt sits roughly 5 miles south of Santa Maria — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 192
Rent 159

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

About the Cost of Living in Orcutt

The median home value in Orcutt is $587,000 — 92% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,094/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,682/year is 46% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Orcutt has a cost of living index of 179 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 79% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$587,000
92% above avg
Median Rent
$2,094/mo
59% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.4x
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 78.0%
Renter-occupied 22.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,094
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,708/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
23.1 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.0%
Carpooled
8.4%
Public transit
2.0%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
8.6%

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
$108,682
46% above avg
Per Capita Income
$49,178
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
29% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
Labor Force Participation
58.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.2%
Graduate degree 11.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.4
Male median age 39.3
Female median age 42.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.6°F
Avg Low
47.6°F
Annual Precip
13.3"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 656566686971737475757064
Low °F 414344454952555554504440
Precip" 2.742.852.560.930.360.060.030.010.070.541.122.05

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
63.6%
Good air days/yr
95
Max AQI recorded
186
PM2.5 days
170
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Orcutt, CA?

Orcutt has a cost index of 179 (100 = national average). It is 79% above the national average.

What is average rent in Orcutt, CA?

The median gross rent in Orcutt is $2,094 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Orcutt?

The median home value in Orcutt is $587,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Orcutt?

The median household income in Orcutt is $108,682 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Orcutt, CA?

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

Is Orcutt, CA affordable?

Orcutt is above average in cost of living, with an index of 179 — about 79% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Orcutt?

Orcutt 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.

Orcutt at a Glance

Population
31,284
Median Income
$108,682
Home Value
$587,000
Median Rent
$2,094/mo
Unemployment
3.4%
Avg High Temp
69.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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