Cost of Living in Shafter, CA
Population 20,618 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shafter is a smaller California community of around 21000 residents, where median household incomes of $67,989 and housing costs ($307,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Shafter sits roughly 13 miles northwest of Bakersfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shafter
The median home value in Shafter is $306,800 — 1% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,140/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,989/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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 78.2°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, Shafter has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% 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 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 76 | 84 | 92 | 98 | 97 | 91 | 80 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 58 | 65 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 55 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.18 | 1.15 | 0.60 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.28 | 0.51 | 1.10 |
| Snow" | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shafter, CA?
Shafter has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shafter, CA?
The median gross rent in Shafter is $1,140 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shafter?
The median home value in Shafter is $306,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shafter?
The median household income in Shafter is $67,989 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shafter, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shafter is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Shafter, CA affordable?
Shafter is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Shafter?
Shafter has average high temperatures of 78.2°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 6.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shafter at a Glance
- Population
- 20,618
- Median Income
- $67,989
- Home Value
- $306,800
- Median Rent
- $1,140/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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