Tehachapi, CA

Average · 98

California · Population 12,366 · Updated March 2026

$1,278
Median Rent / Month
$67,785
Median Income
$344,700
Median Home Value
$1,352
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Tehachapi

22.6%
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

$15,336
Annual Rent
$9,015
State Income Tax
$2,447
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Tehachapi has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 98 (where 100 equals the national median), Tehachapi residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,278/month while earning a median household income of $67,785/year.

The median home value in Tehachapi, CA is $344,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,352 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% 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 Tehachapi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Tehachapi

What is the cost of living in Tehachapi, CA?
The cost of living index in Tehachapi, CA is 98 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,278, median household income is $67,785/year, and the median home value is $344,700.
Is Tehachapi, CA affordable?
Yes, Tehachapi is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 98. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Tehachapi, CA?
The median gross rent in Tehachapi, CA is $1,278 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,336.
What is the median household income in Tehachapi?
The median household income in Tehachapi, CA is $67,785 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%.