Cost of Living in McFarland, CA

With a cost of living index of 88, McFarland, 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. McFarland is a smaller community of 14,138 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in McFarland's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,067 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $245,500 (19% below 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 McFarland is $51,801, which is 31% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 McFarland. 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.