Cost of Living in Live Oak, CA

With a cost of living index of 88, Live Oak, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 12% cheaper than the national average and 55% below the California state average of 144. Live Oak is a smaller community of 9,264 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Live Oak's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $860 (35% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $317,900 (4% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Live Oak is $66,590, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Live Oak. The area sees an average annual temperature of 62.1°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches spread over roughly 63 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Yuba City, 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.