Cost of Living in Vandenberg Village, CA

Population 6,793 · California · Data vintage 2023

183
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Vandenberg Village run well above the national baseline, with a median of $578,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $104,714 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Vandenberg Village sits roughly 15 miles south of Santa Maria. Median home values run roughly 21% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 189
Rent 173

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

About the Cost of Living in Vandenberg Village

The median home value in Vandenberg Village is $577,500 — 89% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,272/month, 73% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,714/year is 40% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, 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 Village has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$577,500
89% above avg
Median Rent
$2,272/mo
73% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.2x
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 75.9%
Renter-occupied 24.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,272
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,886/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
24.7 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.0%
Carpooled
7.1%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
2.4%
Work from home
6.3%

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
$104,714
40% above avg
Per Capita Income
$49,374
Unemployment Rate
9.9%
106% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Labor Force Participation
65.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.4%
Graduate degree 11.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.8
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 46.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.6°F
Avg Low
47.6°F
Annual Precip
13.3"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 656566686971737475757064
Low °F 414344454952555554504440
Precip" 2.742.852.560.930.360.060.030.010.070.541.122.05

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
63.6%
Good air days/yr
95
Max AQI recorded
186
PM2.5 days
170
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Vandenberg Village, CA?

Vandenberg Village has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.

What is average rent in Vandenberg Village, CA?

The median gross rent in Vandenberg Village is $2,272 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Vandenberg Village?

The median home value in Vandenberg Village is $577,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Vandenberg Village?

The median household income in Vandenberg Village is $104,714 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Vandenberg Village, CA?

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

Is Vandenberg Village, CA affordable?

Vandenberg Village is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Vandenberg Village?

Vandenberg Village 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 Village at a Glance

Population
6,793
Median Income
$104,714
Home Value
$577,500
Median Rent
$2,272/mo
Unemployment
9.9%
Avg High Temp
69.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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