Cost of Living in Grass Valley, CA

With a cost of living index of 119, Grass Valley, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 19% more expensive than the national average and 25% below the California state average of 144. Grass Valley is a smaller community of 14,126 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Grass Valley's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,417 (7% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $458,400 (50% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 9.4x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Grass Valley is $48,850, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 35% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Grass Valley. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.2°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 62.4 inches spread over roughly 90 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.