Cost of Living in Patterson, CA

Population 24,306 · California · Data vintage 2023

126
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

One of the defining characteristics of Patterson is a long average commute — 49 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.

Geographically, Patterson sits roughly 14 miles southwest of Modesto. Housing prices track closely with Modesto's $416,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 140
Rent 106

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

About the Cost of Living in Patterson

The median home value in Patterson is $427,400 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,391/month, 6% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,542/year is 25% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 75.9°F and lows of 50.3°F. Overall, Patterson has a cost of living index of 126 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$427,400
40% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$504,391
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,391/mo
6% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.6x
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 74.2%
Renter-occupied 25.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,391
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,005/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
48.5 min
80% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.0%
Carpooled
12.6%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.2%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
8.9%

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
$93,542
25% above avg
Per Capita Income
$29,365
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
24% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
64.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.5%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.9
Male median age 28.8
Female median age 31.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.9°F
Avg Low
50.3°F
Annual Precip
12.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566268748290959489796656
Low °F 394245485459636259524339
Precip" 2.572.221.781.000.650.150.000.010.060.551.072.21

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
45.5%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
161
PM2.5 days
199
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Patterson, CA?

Patterson has a cost index of 126 (100 = national average). It is 26% above the national average.

What is average rent in Patterson, CA?

The median gross rent in Patterson is $1,391 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Patterson?

The median home value in Patterson is $427,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Patterson?

The median household income in Patterson is $93,542 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Patterson, CA?

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

Is Patterson, CA affordable?

Patterson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 126 — about 26% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Patterson?

Patterson has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 50.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Patterson at a Glance

Population
24,306
Median Income
$93,542
Home Value
$427,400
Median Rent
$1,391/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
75.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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