Cost of Living in Eureka, CA

With a cost of living index of 104, Eureka, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 4% more expensive than the national average and 40% below the California state average of 144. With a population of 26,302, Eureka is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Eureka's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,157 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $375,800 (23% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Eureka is $60,253, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Eureka. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.6°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches spread over roughly 128 days.

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.