Cost of Living in Sutter County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sutter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sutter County ranks #2,871 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sutter County, California
Sutter offers below-average housing burden
Sutter County residents spend just 21.7% of income on rent, below both California's 22.4% average and the national norm. At $1,364 per month, median rent is 16% below the state median, positioning Sutter as one of California's more affordable rental markets.
Among California's most affordable counties
Sutter ranks in the lower-cost tier across California, with a median home value of just $399,400. This affordability reflects the county's rural-suburban character in the Sacramento Valley region.
Sutter undercuts neighboring Sonoma sharply
Renters in Sutter pay $1,364 monthly versus $2,093 in Sonoma County—a 35% savings—though Sutter's median income is also lower at $75,450. The trade-off is clear: Sutter offers rural affordability, while Sonoma delivers coast-access amenities and higher wages.
Sutter's modest housing costs
A Sutter household earning $75,450 annually spends approximately $16,416 on rent (21.7% of income) or $17,556 on mortgage payments. Housing takes up a smaller slice of income here, creating more room for other expenses and emergency savings.
Sutter appeals to budget-conscious families
If affordability is your priority, Sutter County delivers some of California's lowest housing costs without the rural isolation of mountain communities. Families or retirees on fixed incomes will find Sutter's $1,364 median rent and below-average housing burden genuinely livable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sutter County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Sutter County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,364/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sutter County pay $1,364/month on average, compared to $1,463/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $54,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,700/year. With a median household income of $75,450, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Sutter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sutter County sits 4% more expensive than Madera County ($1,307/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sutter County
Rent Burden
21.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,761
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.3%
of gross income
The median home in Sutter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $399,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,189 vs. your max of $1,761.
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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