Cost of Living in Mammoth Lakes, CA

With a cost of living index of 142, Mammoth Lakes, CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 42% more expensive than the national average and in line with the California state average. Mammoth Lakes is a smaller community of 7,233 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mammoth Lakes's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,637 (24% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $657,000 (115% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Mammoth Lakes is $87,121, which is 16% higher 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. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Mammoth Lakes. The area sees an average annual temperature of 57.3°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 4.8 inches spread over roughly 26 days.

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.