Cost of Living in Dunsmuir, CA

With a cost of living index of 87, Dunsmuir, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and 57% below the California state average of 144. Dunsmuir is a small community of 1,519 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dunsmuir's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $953 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $262,800 (14% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Dunsmuir is $47,708, which is 37% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Dunsmuir. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.3°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 36°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches spread over roughly 96 days.

Everyday prices in the Redding, 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.