Cost of Living in Lamont, CA

With a cost of living index of 83, Lamont, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 61% below the California state average of 144. Lamont is a smaller community of 13,481 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lamont's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $982 (26% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $210,700 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Lamont is $34,436, which is 54% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 34% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Lamont. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.2°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 51°F. Annual rainfall totals 6.4 inches spread over roughly 38 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Bakersfield-Delano, 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.