Cost of Living in Hilmar-Irwin, CA

With a cost of living index of 121, Hilmar-Irwin, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and 23% below the California state average of 144. Hilmar-Irwin is a smaller community of 6,317 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hilmar-Irwin's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,701 (29% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $420,600 (38% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Hilmar-Irwin is $76,492, which is 2% higher 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 Hilmar-Irwin. 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.