Cost of Living in Ballico, CA

With a cost of living index of 110, Ballico, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 10% more expensive than the national average and 34% below the California state average of 144. Ballico is a small community of 538 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ballico's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,115 (15% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $502,400 (65% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Ballico is $163,500, which is 118% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 8% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Merced, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.