Shafter, CA

Below Avg · 89

California · Population 20,618 · Updated March 2026

$1,140
Median Rent / Month
$67,989
Median Income
$306,800
Median Home Value
$1,317
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Shafter

20.1%
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

$13,680
Annual Rent
$9,043
State Income Tax
$2,178
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Shafter offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 89 (where 100 equals the national median), Shafter residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,140/month while earning a median household income of $67,989/year.

The median home value in Shafter, CA is $306,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,317 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% 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 Shafter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Shafter

What is the cost of living in Shafter, CA?
The cost of living index in Shafter, CA is 89 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,140, median household income is $67,989/year, and the median home value is $306,800.
Is Shafter, CA affordable?
Yes, Shafter is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 89. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Shafter, CA?
The median gross rent in Shafter, CA is $1,140 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,680.
What is the median household income in Shafter?
The median household income in Shafter, CA is $67,989 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%.