Cost of Living in Mesa Verde, CA

With a cost of living index of 79, Mesa Verde, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 65% below the California state average of 144. Mesa Verde is a small community of 1,025 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mesa Verde's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,074 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $102,700 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mesa Verde is $48,523, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. 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 Mesa Verde. The area sees an average annual temperature of 74.4°F, with summers averaging 93°F and winters around 56°F. Annual rainfall totals 3.6 inches spread over roughly 18 days. Hot summers are common, which can affect utility costs and lifestyle.

Everyday prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, 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.