Cost of Living in Bret Harte, CA

With a cost of living index of 102, Bret Harte, CA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 2% more expensive than the national average and 42% below the California state average of 144. Bret Harte is a small community of 4,807 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bret Harte's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,360 (3% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $289,300 (5% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Bret Harte is $42,422, which is 44% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 38% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Everyday prices in the Modesto, 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.