F
26%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
62%
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 Turlock California National
Cost of living126140100
Goods & Services104111100
Groceries104112100
Health care96109100
Housing162196100
Transportation120126100
Utilities140127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Turlock, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Turlock 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 Turlock is 126, which is 26% 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.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Turlock may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Turlock falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Turlock, 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 61.7% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Turlock Affordable?

Is Turlock affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Turlock, for instance, where the median home price falls 78.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 22.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Turlock flaunting a median household income of $60,799, 9.9% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Turlock?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Turlock, the utilities index is 40.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Turlock, healthcare costs are 4.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Turlock, 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.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Turlock is 10% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Turlock is 26% higher than the national average
  • Turlock housing is 62% 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 Turlock

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Compare Turlock, 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$79,875$6,656$1,864$2,396
      Renters$41,343$3,445$965$1,240
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Turlock, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Turlock, the median monthly income is $79,875 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,864 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $41,343, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $965 on monthly rental expenses.

      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 Turlock National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.83$24.2610.6%
      Beauty Salon $76.57$45.5668.0%
      Toothpaste $3.86$3.704.3%
      Shampoo $1.56$1.2821.9%
      Movie $14.64$12.1320.6%
      Bowling $23.78$18.0032.1%

      Groceries

      Item Turlock National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.21$5.846.3%
      Fried Chicken $2.10$1.5733.7%
      Milk $4.99$4.676.9%
      Potatoes $4.98$4.930.9%
      Pizza $15.69$12.0929.8%
      Beer $10.96$10.415.3%

      Health Care

      Item Turlock National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $157.88$125.6825.6%
      Doctor $166.71$135.7822.8%
      Dentist $148.27$113.2930.9%
      Ibuprofen $11.69$10.659.8%
      Lipitor $498.45$468.606.4%

      Housing

      Item Turlock National avg. Difference
      Home Price $329,900.00$184,700.0078.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $4,545.90$2,346.6993.7%
      Apartment Rent $1,159.00$949.0022.1%

      Transportation

      Item Turlock National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.63$3.4633.9%
      Tire Balancing $70.51$59.9217.7%

      Utilities

      Item Turlock National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $299.78$193.9954.5%
      Phone $191.56$192.250.4%
      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.
      Stevinson, CA19611110.7%
      Cowan, CA47211110.7%
      Monterey Park Tract, CA29311110.7%
      Parklawn, CA1,8441043.6%
      Airport, CA1,2761055.2%
      Turlock, CA72,71512626.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Albany, GA72,6348514.7%
      Framingham, MA72,84614746.9%
      Lafayette, IN72,556918.8%
      New Britain, CT72,5431033.2%
      Southfield, MI72,9661000.2%
      Turlock, CA72,71512626.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.