Cost of Living in Gustine, CA

With a cost of living index of 110, Gustine, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 10% more expensive than the national average and 33% below the California state average of 144. Gustine is a smaller community of 6,118 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gustine's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,345 (2% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $422,500 (39% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Gustine is $58,321, which is 22% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% 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 Gustine. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.7°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 47°F. Annual rainfall totals 10.5 inches spread over roughly 49 days.

Everyday prices in the Merced, 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.