Cost of Living in Santa Paula, CA
Population 31,202 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Santa Paula is priced well above national norms — a median of $559,000, roughly 83% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that California. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 12 miles northeast of San Buenaventura (Ventura), Santa Paula falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than San Buenaventura (Ventura)'s $779,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Paula
The median home value in Santa Paula is $559,300 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,698/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,130/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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, Santa Paula has a cost of living index of 162 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% 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 Santa Paula, CA?
Santa Paula has a cost index of 162 (100 = national average). It is 62% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Paula, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Paula is $1,698 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Paula?
The median home value in Santa Paula is $559,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Paula?
The median household income in Santa Paula is $77,130 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Paula, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Paula is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Paula, CA affordable?
Santa Paula is above average in cost of living, with an index of 162 — about 62% higher than the national average.
Santa Paula at a Glance
- Population
- 31,202
- Median Income
- $77,130
- Home Value
- $559,300
- Median Rent
- $1,698/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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