Cost of Living in Patterson, CA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Patterson, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Patterson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Patterson stands at 128, making it 28% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Patterson may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Patterson falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Patterson cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 68.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Patterson Affordable?

Is Patterson an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Patterson is 77.4% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 47% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Patterson has a median household income of $69,947, which is 26.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Patterson?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Patterson, is 68.3% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Patterson, the transportation index stands at 20% higher than the national average.

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 Patterson, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7.25%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Patterson, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.