Cost of Living in Ukiah, CA

With a cost of living index of 115, Ukiah, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 28% below the California state average of 144. Ukiah is a smaller community of 16,419 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ukiah's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,330 (1% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $448,100 (47% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Ukiah is $67,122, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Ukiah. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.8°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches spread over roughly 86 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.