Cost of Living in Templeton, CA

Population 8,608 · California · Data vintage 2023

227
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Templeton run well above the national baseline, with a median of $783,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $114,155 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 45 miles northwest of Santa Maria, Templeton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 64% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 257
Rent 183

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

About the Cost of Living in Templeton

The median home value in Templeton is $782,700 — 157% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,399/month, 83% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,155/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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 76.8°F and lows of 43.2°F. Overall, Templeton has a cost of living index of 227 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 127% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$782,700
157% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$925,163
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,399/mo
83% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.2x
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 73.4%
Renter-occupied 26.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,399
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,013/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
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.7%
Carpooled
7.6%
Walked
2.2%
Work from home
9.1%

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
$114,155
53% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,348
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
33% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Labor Force Participation
63.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.7%
Graduate degree 15.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.6
Male median age 43.8
Female median age 43

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.8°F
Avg Low
43.2°F
Annual Precip
12.2"
Annual Snowfall
0"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616368748189939490816960
Low °F 353740414650545350443733
Precip" 2.742.482.420.600.310.040.080.010.060.560.871.98

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
56.7%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
115
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Templeton, CA?

Templeton has a cost index of 227 (100 = national average). It is 127% above the national average.

What is average rent in Templeton, CA?

The median gross rent in Templeton is $2,399 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Templeton?

The median home value in Templeton is $782,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Templeton?

The median household income in Templeton is $114,155 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Templeton, CA?

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

Is Templeton, CA affordable?

Templeton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 227 — about 127% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Templeton?

Templeton has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 43.2°F. Annual precipitation is 12.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.