Cost of Living in Fortuna, CA

With a cost of living index of 101, Fortuna, CA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% more expensive than the national average and 42% below the California state average of 144. Fortuna is a smaller community of 12,413 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fortuna's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,126 (15% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $353,200 (16% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Fortuna is $61,603, which is 18% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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 Fortuna. 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.