Ridgecrest, CA

Below Avg · 80

California · Population 28,138 · Updated March 2026

$1,178
Median Rent / Month
$88,107
Median Income
$235,800
Median Home Value
$1,185
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Ridgecrest

16.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,136
Annual Rent
$11,718
State Income Tax
$1,674
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Ridgecrest is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 80 (where 100 equals the national median), Ridgecrest residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,178/month while earning a median household income of $88,107/year.

The median home value in Ridgecrest, CA is $235,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,185 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Ridgecrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Ridgecrest

What is the cost of living in Ridgecrest, CA?
The cost of living index in Ridgecrest, CA is 80 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,178, median household income is $88,107/year, and the median home value is $235,800.
Is Ridgecrest, CA affordable?
Yes, Ridgecrest is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 80. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Ridgecrest, CA?
The median gross rent in Ridgecrest, CA is $1,178 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,136.
What is the median household income in Ridgecrest?
The median household income in Ridgecrest, CA is $88,107 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.