Cost of Living in Stirling City, CA

With a cost of living index of 87, Stirling City, CA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 13% cheaper than the national average and 57% below the California state average of 144. Stirling City is a small community of 436 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Stirling City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $950 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $256,800 (16% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Stirling City is $56,026, which is 25% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Stirling City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.2°F, with summers averaging 78°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 25.7 inches spread over roughly 73 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Chico, 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.