Cost of Living in Vandenberg AFB, CA
Population 3,688 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Vandenberg AFB 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. Rental affordability is stretched — $2,462/month works out to about 36% of median household income, above the 30% "cost-burdened" line.
Located 15 miles south of Santa Maria, Vandenberg AFB falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Santa Maria's typical home runs $478,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vandenberg AFB
Median rent runs $2,462/month, 87% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,096/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 69.6°F and lows of 47.6°F. Overall, Vandenberg AFB has a cost of living index of 187 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 87% more expensive.
Vandenberg AFB is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 64 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 49 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 50 | 44 | 40 |
| Precip" | 2.74 | 2.85 | 2.56 | 0.93 | 0.36 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.54 | 1.12 | 2.05 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vandenberg AFB, CA?
Vandenberg AFB has a cost index of 187 (100 = national average). It is 87% above the national average.
What is average rent in Vandenberg AFB, CA?
The median gross rent in Vandenberg AFB is $2,462 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in Vandenberg AFB?
The median household income in Vandenberg AFB is $83,096 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vandenberg AFB, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vandenberg AFB is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Vandenberg AFB, CA affordable?
Vandenberg AFB is above average in cost of living, with an index of 187 — about 87% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Vandenberg AFB?
Vandenberg AFB has average high temperatures of 69.6°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 13.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Vandenberg AFB at a Glance
- Population
- 3,688
- Median Income
- $83,096
- Median Rent
- $2,462/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data