Cost of Living in Phelan, CA
Population 18,059 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Phelan is a long average commute — 51 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. At 12.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 11 miles southwest of Victorville, Phelan falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Victorville's $343,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Phelan
The median home value in Phelan is $357,200 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,623/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,759/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.3%, 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, Phelan has a cost of living index of 120 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Phelan, CA?
Phelan has a cost index of 120 (100 = national average). It is 20% above the national average.
What is average rent in Phelan, CA?
The median gross rent in Phelan is $1,623 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Phelan?
The median home value in Phelan is $357,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Phelan?
The median household income in Phelan is $83,759 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Phelan, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Phelan is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Phelan, CA affordable?
Phelan is above average in cost of living, with an index of 120 — about 20% higher than the national average.
Phelan at a Glance
- Population
- 18,059
- Median Income
- $83,759
- Home Value
- $357,200
- Median Rent
- $1,623/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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