Cost of Living in Ridgecrest, CA
Population 28,138 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Ridgecrest's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $88,107 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Ridgecrest is about 70 miles northeast of Lancaster, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Lancaster's $409,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ridgecrest
The median home value in Ridgecrest is $235,800 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,178/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,107/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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 81.4°F and lows of 49.1°F. Overall, Ridgecrest has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% 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 | 60 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 88 | 99 | 105 | 103 | 95 | 83 | 69 | 60 |
| Low °F | 31 | 35 | 42 | 47 | 56 | 64 | 70 | 69 | 61 | 49 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 0.94 | 1.11 | 0.55 | 0.24 | 0.10 | 0.07 | 0.12 | 0.11 | 0.24 | 0.27 | 0.38 | 0.54 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ridgecrest, CA?
The median gross rent in Ridgecrest is $1,178 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ridgecrest?
The median home value in Ridgecrest is $235,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ridgecrest?
The median household income in Ridgecrest is $88,107 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ridgecrest, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ridgecrest is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Ridgecrest, CA affordable?
Yes, Ridgecrest is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest has average high temperatures of 81.4°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 4.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ridgecrest at a Glance
- Population
- 28,138
- Median Income
- $88,107
- Home Value
- $235,800
- Median Rent
- $1,178/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 81.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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