Cost of Living in North Highlands, CA

With a cost of living index of 115, North Highlands, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 29% below the California state average of 144. With a population of 47,900, North Highlands is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in North Highlands's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,585 (20% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $344,900 (13% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in North Highlands is $65,090, which is 13% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 29% 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 North Highlands. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.4°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 50°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.2 inches spread over roughly 61 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, 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.