Cost of Living in University of California-Davis, CA
Population 8,158 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Younger and more credentialed than the state overall — median age 20, 28% with a bachelor's — University of California-Davis has the labor and housing dynamics of a university town. Demand for rentals peaks sharply around fall enrollment. A poverty rate near 68% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, University of California-Davis sits roughly 15 miles west of Sacramento. Sacramento's typical home runs $485,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in University of California-Davis
Median rent runs $1,560/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $17,625/year is 76% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.3%, 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, University of California-Davis has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.
University of California-Davis is a campus community
This Census-Designated Place covers the University of California-Davis campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 University of California-Davis, CA?
University of California-Davis has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in University of California-Davis, CA?
The median gross rent in University of California-Davis is $1,560 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in University of California-Davis?
The median household income in University of California-Davis is $17,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in University of California-Davis, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in University of California-Davis is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is University of California-Davis, CA affordable?
University of California-Davis is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
University of California-Davis at a Glance
- Population
- 8,158
- Median Income
- $17,625
- Median Rent
- $1,560/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data