Cost of Living in Lake Hughes, CA

With a cost of living index of 144, Lake Hughes, CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 44% more expensive than the national average and in line with the California state average. Lake Hughes is a small community of 875 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lake Hughes's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,031 (54% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $519,400 (70% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Lake Hughes is $110,438, which is 47% higher 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. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Lake Hughes. The area sees an average annual temperature of 62.1°F, with summers averaging 80°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 6.8 inches spread over roughly 28 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 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.