Cost of Living in Selma, CA
Population 24,586 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Selma sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 12.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Selma sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Fresno — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Fresno's $349,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Selma
The median home value in Selma is $288,700 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,202/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,839/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.3%, 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, Selma has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% 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 Selma, CA?
Selma has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in Selma, CA?
The median gross rent in Selma is $1,202 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Selma?
The median home value in Selma is $288,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Selma?
The median household income in Selma is $55,839 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Selma, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Selma is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Selma, CA affordable?
Selma is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
Selma at a Glance
- Population
- 24,586
- Median Income
- $55,839
- Home Value
- $288,700
- Median Rent
- $1,202/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs