Cost of Living in Sierra County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sierra County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sierra County ranks #1,353 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sierra County, California
Mountain living on modest income
Sierra County renters spend 23.6% of their income on housing—slightly above state average—despite the lowest median income in this cohort at $60,000. At $1,181/month for rent, costs are genuinely low, reflecting the county's rural mountain character.
Among California's most affordable regions
Sierra County ranks near the bottom of California's housing-cost spectrum, with median rents of $1,181 (27% below state average) and home values just above $334,000. The county offers rare affordability for working-class Californians with limited income.
The high country bargain
Sierra renters pay $1,181 monthly—$86 more than Siskiyou but nearly half Santa Barbara's rate—for access to mountain communities. Home prices of $334,100 are comparable to Shasta County, making this an alternative for those seeking high-elevation living.
Sierra County's tight budget reality
A household earning $60,000 annually dedicates $1,181 to rent (23.6% of income) or $1,373 for ownership. While the housing cost ratio is reasonable, the low absolute income leaves little margin for medical emergencies, car repairs, or other unexpected expenses.
Sierra County: for mountain lovers on tight budgets
This remote mountain county works best for retirees with modest fixed income or remote workers earning above-local wages. Limited job markets and harsh winters are the real costs here; affordable housing is the benefit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sierra County
Affordability Verdict
Sierra County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,181/month — about 23.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sierra County is $1,181/month, while owner costs run $1,373/month. Renting saves approximately $192/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,843/year. With a median household income of $60,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Sierra County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, Sierra County is less affordable than Tuolumne County by roughly 5% ($1,181/mo vs $1,247/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sierra County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,400
per month
Owner Cost Burden
27.5%
of gross income
The median home in Sierra County may be a stretch
Median home value is $334,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,667 vs. your max of $1,400.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Sierra County, California?
What is the median rent in Sierra County?
Is Sierra County affordable?
How does Sierra County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Sierra County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Sierra County, California? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Sierra County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.