Cost of Living in Palermo, CA
Population 5,440 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Palermo run well below national norms — a median of $47,893 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Palermo is about 30 miles southeast of Chico, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palermo
The median home value in Palermo is $287,000 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,067/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,893/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.1%, 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, Palermo has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Palermo has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Palermo, CA?
Palermo has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Palermo, CA?
The median gross rent in Palermo is $1,067 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palermo?
The median home value in Palermo is $287,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palermo?
The median household income in Palermo is $47,893 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palermo, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palermo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Palermo, CA affordable?
Yes, Palermo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
Palermo at a Glance
- Population
- 5,440
- Median Income
- $47,893
- Home Value
- $287,000
- Median Rent
- $1,067/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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