Cost of Living in San Fernando, CA

Population 23,716 · California · Data vintage 2023

176
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

San Fernando's housing market carries a clear premium over the US median: $631,000 for a typical home, about 107% above the national figure. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

San Fernando sits roughly 10 miles southeast of Santa Clarita — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Santa Clarita's $721,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 207
Rent 129

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

About the Cost of Living in San Fernando

The median home value in San Fernando is $630,700 — 107% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,690/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,694/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 78.9°F and lows of 54.3°F. Overall, San Fernando has a cost of living index of 176 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 76% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$630,700
107% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$743,012
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,690/mo
29% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,071/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.1x
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 62.5%
Renter-occupied 37.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,690
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,304/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
32.2 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.9%
Carpooled
13.5%
Public transit
2.2%
Walked
1.2%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
5.0%

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
$79,694
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$30,129
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
47% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Labor Force Participation
66.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.0%
Graduate degree 5.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.3
Male median age 36
Female median age 36.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.9°F
Avg Low
54.3°F
Annual Precip
13.4"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 686872757984919390837567
Low °F 464649525660646563574945
Precip" 2.753.792.500.710.290.070.000.010.120.480.751.95

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in San Fernando, CA?

San Fernando has a cost index of 176 (100 = national average). It is 76% above the national average.

What is average rent in San Fernando, CA?

The median gross rent in San Fernando is $1,690 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in San Fernando?

The median home value in San Fernando is $630,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in San Fernando?

The median household income in San Fernando is $79,694 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in San Fernando, CA?

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

Is San Fernando, CA affordable?

San Fernando is above average in cost of living, with an index of 176 — about 76% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in San Fernando?

San Fernando has average high temperatures of 78.9°F and average lows of 54.3°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

San Fernando at a Glance

Population
23,716
Median Income
$79,694
Home Value
$630,700
Median Rent
$1,690/mo
Unemployment
7.0%
Avg High Temp
78.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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