Cost of Living in California, PA
Population 5,046 · Pennsylvania · 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 $143,000. A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 25 miles south of Pittsburgh, California falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
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 $142,600 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $792/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,500/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, California has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
California 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 49 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 2.57 | 3.22 | 3.40 | 4.08 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.81 | 3.54 | 3.06 | 3.03 | 3.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in California, PA?
California has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in California, PA?
The median gross rent in California is $792 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in California?
The median home value in California is $142,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in California?
The median household income in California is $49,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in California, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in California is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is California, PA affordable?
Yes, California is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in California?
California has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
California at a Glance
- Population
- 5,046
- Median Income
- $49,500
- Home Value
- $142,600
- Median Rent
- $792/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs