Cost of Living in Murphys, CA

With a cost of living index of 128, Murphys, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 28% more expensive than the national average and 16% below the California state average of 144. Murphys is a small community of 1,821 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Murphys's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,581 (20% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $506,300 (66% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 9.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Murphys is $54,875, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 35% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Murphys. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.5°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches spread over roughly 71 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.