Cost of Living in Porterville, CA
Population 62,765 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Porterville cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $274,000, rents near $1,111 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Porterville is about 25 miles southeast of Visalia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Visalia's $341,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Porterville
The median home value in Porterville is $273,600 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,111/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,012/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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, Porterville has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less 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 Porterville, CA?
Porterville has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Porterville, CA?
The median gross rent in Porterville is $1,111 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Porterville?
The median home value in Porterville is $273,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Porterville?
The median household income in Porterville is $59,012 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Porterville, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Porterville is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Porterville, CA affordable?
Yes, Porterville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
Porterville at a Glance
- Population
- 62,765
- Median Income
- $59,012
- Home Value
- $273,600
- Median Rent
- $1,111/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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