Cost of Living in Calaveras County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Calaveras County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Calaveras County ranks #2,280 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Calaveras County, California
Calaveras taxes renters harder than the nation
Calaveras County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% exceeds the national average by 2.3 percentage points, making it one of California's affordability laggards despite a median income of $79,877. Renters spend $1,615 monthly—a cost that commands nearly one-quarter of gross household earnings, leaving families stretched thin.
Among California's least affordable counties
Calaveras ranks in California's bottom third for affordability with a 24.3% rent-to-income ratio, significantly above the state average of 22.4%. The median rent of $1,615 approaches the state median, yet lower median income ($79,877) creates an affordability squeeze for working families.
Calaveras rents climb the foothill ladder
Calaveras's $1,615 median rent runs $235 higher than Amador's $1,380 and $476 higher than Colusa's $1,139, yet with lower income than Amador. The rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% ranks worse than every mountain neighbor except Butte, signaling a regional affordability trouble spot.
Housing dominates Calaveras budgets
Renters pay $1,615 monthly and owners pay $1,590—combined housing costs consume roughly 49% of a $79,877 annual income. This leaves families competing for every dollar in their remaining 51% of earnings, with little cushion for medical emergencies or job loss.
Calaveras best for higher earners
If you earn $90,000+ and seek Sierra foothills charm, Calaveras's $441,800 homes and outdoor recreation justify the rent-to-income squeeze. For those earning under $80,000, compare Amador or Colusa for meaningfully lower housing burdens on similar salaries.
Cost of Living Advisory: Calaveras County
Affordability Verdict
Calaveras County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,615/month — about 24.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Calaveras County pay $1,615/month on average, compared to $1,590/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $64,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $68,143/year. With a median household income of $79,877, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Calaveras County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Calaveras County is less affordable than Sacramento County by roughly 5% ($1,615/mo vs $1,702/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Calaveras County
Rent Burden
24.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,864
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Calaveras County may be a stretch
Median home value is $441,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,527 vs. your max of $1,864.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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