F
62%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
171%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Nipomo California National
Cost of living162140100
Goods & Services105111100
Groceries107112100
Health care93109100
Housing271196100
Transportation127126100
Utilities157127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Nipomo, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Nipomo is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Nipomo is 162, which is 62% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Nipomo is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Nipomo falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Nipomo, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 171.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Nipomo Affordable?

Wondering if Nipomo is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Nipomo, for example, the median home price is 215.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 69.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Nipomo boasting a median household income of $86,423, which is 56.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Nipomo?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Nipomo, the utilities index stands at 56.6% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Nipomo, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7.25%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The Nipomo cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Nipomo is 16% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Nipomo is 62% higher than the national average
  • Nipomo housing is 171% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Nipomo

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Compare Nipomo, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,940$8,995$2,518$3,239
      Renters$63,521$5,293$1,482$1,906
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Nipomo, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Nipomo, homeowners have a median income of $107,940. Using that number, a maximum of $2,518 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $63,521, which means there is a maximum of $1,482 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.25$24.268.2%
      Beauty Salon $89.33$45.5696.1%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.48$1.2815.6%
      Movie $18.12$12.1349.4%
      Bowling $22.67$18.0025.9%

      Groceries

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.77$5.841.1%
      Fried Chicken $2.63$1.5767.0%
      Milk $4.91$4.675.0%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.6%
      Pizza $13.49$12.0911.6%
      Beer $11.13$10.416.9%

      Health Care

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $142.20$125.6813.1%
      Doctor $131.33$135.783.3%
      Dentist $131.50$113.2916.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.78$10.6510.6%
      Lipitor $508.17$468.608.4%

      Housing

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      Home Price $582,300.00$184,700.00215.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $5,847.37$2,346.69149.2%
      Apartment Rent $1,605.00$949.0069.1%

      Transportation

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.62$3.4633.6%
      Tire Balancing $61.00$59.921.8%

      Utilities

      Item Nipomo National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $231.40$193.9919.3%
      Phone $193.81$192.250.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Casmalia, CA8812323.2%
      Sisquoc, CA16912626.3%
      Guadalupe, CA7,65412726.6%
      Santa Maria, CA105,52813535.4%
      Oceano, CA7,60113737.3%
      Nipomo, CA18,18216261.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Maumelle, AR18,1931044.1%
      Newburyport, MA18,19716363.3%
      Burlington, KY18,2031011.4%
      Somerset, MA18,16012020.1%
      Pecan Grove, TX18,20411313.4%
      Nipomo, CA18,18216261.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.