Cost of Living in Turlock, CA

Population 72,400 · California · Data vintage 2023

133
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Turlock cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $444,000, rents near $1,498 a month. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Turlock sits roughly 12 miles southeast of Modesto — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Modesto's $416,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 146
Rent 114

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

About the Cost of Living in Turlock

The median home value in Turlock is $443,900 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,498/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,807/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 75.9°F and lows of 50.3°F. Overall, Turlock has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$443,900
46% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$478,201
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,498/mo
14% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,088/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.7x
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 56.8%
Renter-occupied 43.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,498
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,112/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
27.2 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.0%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
2.2%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
6.8%

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
$79,807
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,306
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
62% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Labor Force Participation
62.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.9%
Graduate degree 9.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 34
Female median age 35.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.9°F
Avg Low
50.3°F
Annual Precip
12.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566268748290959489796656
Low °F 394245485459636259524339
Precip" 2.572.221.781.000.650.150.000.010.060.551.072.21

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
45.5%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
161
PM2.5 days
199
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Turlock, CA?

Turlock has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.

What is average rent in Turlock, CA?

The median gross rent in Turlock is $1,498 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Turlock?

The median home value in Turlock is $443,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Turlock?

The median household income in Turlock is $79,807 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Turlock, CA?

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

Is Turlock, CA affordable?

Turlock is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Turlock?

Turlock has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 50.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Turlock at a Glance

Population
72,400
Median Income
$79,807
Home Value
$443,900
Median Rent
$1,498/mo
Unemployment
7.8%
Avg High Temp
75.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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