Cost of Living in Red Bluff, CA
Population 14,592 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Red Bluff a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $271,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 35 miles northwest of Chico, Red Bluff falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Red Bluff
The median home value in Red Bluff is $271,100 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,068/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,216/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, 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 76.0°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, Red Bluff has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 66 | 72 | 82 | 91 | 98 | 96 | 91 | 79 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 38 | 41 | 44 | 47 | 55 | 62 | 66 | 64 | 59 | 51 | 43 | 38 |
| Precip" | 4.71 | 4.15 | 2.91 | 1.55 | 1.25 | 0.44 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.19 | 1.04 | 2.54 | 4.23 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Red Bluff, CA?
Red Bluff has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Red Bluff, CA?
The median gross rent in Red Bluff is $1,068 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Red Bluff?
The median home value in Red Bluff is $271,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Red Bluff?
The median household income in Red Bluff is $50,216 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Red Bluff, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Red Bluff is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Red Bluff, CA affordable?
Yes, Red Bluff is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Red Bluff?
Red Bluff has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 23.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Red Bluff at a Glance
- Population
- 14,592
- Median Income
- $50,216
- Home Value
- $271,100
- Median Rent
- $1,068/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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