Cost of Living in Clearlake, CA

With a cost of living index of 90, Clearlake, CA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 53% below the California state average of 144. Clearlake is a smaller community of 16,604 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clearlake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,162 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $204,500 (33% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Clearlake is $41,580, which is 45% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 34% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.