Cost of Living in Madera, CA

With a cost of living index of 101, Madera, CA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% more expensive than the national average and 42% below the California state average of 144. With a population of 67,133, Madera is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Madera's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,237 (6% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $335,900 (10% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Madera is $63,619, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Madera. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.3°F, with summers averaging 78°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 10.8 inches spread over roughly 58 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Fresno, 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.