| Index | Madera | California | National |
| Cost of living | 119 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 108 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 116 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 127 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 121 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 117 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 122 | 127 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Madera can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Madera cost of living index is 119, which is 19% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Madera cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 27.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Madera, household essentials are 11.1% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 5 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Madera. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 40% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 60% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Is Madera affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Madera, the median home price is 33.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Madera boasting a median household income of $72,645, 10.7% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Madera, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Madera, the utilities index registers at 21% higher than the national average.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Madera, the housing index is 27.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Madera are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $114,727 | $9,561 | $2,677 | $3,442 |
| Renters | $54,011 | $4,501 | $1,260 | $1,620 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fairmead, CA | 1,167 | 102 | 2.1% |
| Biola, CA | 1,469 | 108 | 7.6% |
| Parkwood, CA | 2,462 | 109 | 9.0% |
| Chowchilla, CA | 19,143 | 114 | 14.4% |
| Parksdale, CA | 2,830 | 116 | 15.6% |
| Madera, CA | 67,330 | 119 | 18.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Sammamish, WA | 67,314 | 201 | 101.3% |
| Rowlett, TX | 67,206 | 112 | 11.9% |
| Laguna Niguel, CA | 67,631 | 204 | 103.9% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 67,016 | 205 | 104.6% |
| Eastvale, CA | 67,681 | 176 | 76.1% |
| Madera, CA | 67,330 | 119 | 18.9% |
Here are the best places to live in California
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in California
These are the largest cities in California