Cost of Living in Williams, CA
Population 5,569 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Williams 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. At 15.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Williams is about 45 miles southwest of Chico, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Chico's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Williams
The median home value in Williams is $339,900 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,296/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,138/year is 25% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.0%, 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, Williams has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% more expensive.
Williams 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 Williams, CA?
Williams has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Williams, CA?
The median gross rent in Williams is $1,296 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Williams?
The median home value in Williams is $339,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Williams?
The median household income in Williams is $93,138 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Williams, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Williams is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Williams, CA affordable?
Williams is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
Williams at a Glance
- Population
- 5,569
- Median Income
- $93,138
- Home Value
- $339,900
- Median Rent
- $1,296/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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