Cost of Living in California, MD
Population 13,223 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives California a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $338,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 50 miles southeast of Alexandria, California falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in California
The median home value in California is $337,900 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,805/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,717/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 66.7°F and lows of 49.8°F, with about 12.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, California has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 45 | 48 | 55 | 66 | 75 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 58 | 50 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 71 | 69 | 63 | 52 | 41 | 34 |
| Precip" | 2.91 | 2.84 | 4.00 | 3.68 | 3.66 | 4.27 | 4.49 | 4.66 | 4.15 | 4.03 | 3.07 | 3.54 |
| Snow" | 3.9 | 6.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in California, MD?
California has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in California, MD?
The median gross rent in California is $1,805 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in California?
The median home value in California is $337,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in California?
The median household income in California is $112,717 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in California, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in California is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is California, MD affordable?
California is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in California?
California has average high temperatures of 66.7°F and average lows of 49.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Average annual snowfall is 12.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
California at a Glance
- Population
- 13,223
- Median Income
- $112,717
- Home Value
- $337,900
- Median Rent
- $1,805/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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