Cost of Living in Waterford, CA
Population 9,177 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waterford is a smaller California community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $73,092 and housing costs ($373,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Waterford sits roughly 14 miles east of Modesto. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Modesto's $416,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waterford
The median home value in Waterford is $372,900 — 22% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,567/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,092/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Waterford has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.
Waterford has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. 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 Waterford, CA?
Waterford has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waterford, CA?
The median gross rent in Waterford is $1,567 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waterford?
The median home value in Waterford is $372,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waterford?
The median household income in Waterford is $73,092 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waterford, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waterford is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Waterford, CA affordable?
Waterford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
Waterford at a Glance
- Population
- 9,177
- Median Income
- $73,092
- Home Value
- $372,900
- Median Rent
- $1,567/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs