Cost of Living in Empire, CA

With a cost of living index of 95, Empire, CA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 5% cheaper than the national average and 48% below the California state average of 144. Empire is a small community of 3,867 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Empire's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,106 (16% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $306,700 (1% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Empire is $48,990, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Empire. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.1°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches spread over roughly 53 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.