Cost of Living in McKinleyville, CA

With a cost of living index of 116, McKinleyville, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 16% more expensive than the national average and 28% below the California state average of 144. McKinleyville is a smaller community of 17,152 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in McKinleyville's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,441 (9% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $414,200 (36% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in McKinleyville is $66,096, which is 12% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to McKinleyville. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.5°F, with summers averaging 57°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 46.1 inches spread over roughly 153 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.