Cost of Living in Ventura County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ventura County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ventura County ranks #2,155 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ventura County, California
Ventura ranks among California's priciest
Ventura County residents spend 25.1% of income on rent, the highest of the eight counties profiled and well above California's 22.4% average. At $2,248 per month, median rent is 39% above the state median, reflecting Ventura's Southern California coastal location and proximity to Los Angeles employment.
Ventura competes with state's costliest
Ventura ranks in the upper tier of California counties for housing costs, with a median home value of $768,400 that rivals San Francisco Bay Area communities. The county's coastal Southern California location commands premium pricing.
Ventura leads affordability comparison
Renters in Ventura pay $2,248 monthly versus $1,247 in Tuolumne—an 80% difference—and nearly match Sonoma's $2,093. However, Ventura's median income ($107,327) is the highest profiled, slightly outpacing Sonoma's $102,840.
Where Ventura dollars go
A Ventura household earning $107,327 annually spends approximately $26,976 on rent (25.1% of income) or $28,920 on mortgage payments. Despite strong median income, housing still consumes over a quarter of household earnings, limiting savings capacity.
Ventura: premium pricing for coast access
Ventura's $2,248 rent and 25.1% housing burden are justified primarily by coastal Southern California location and strong regional employment in aerospace and entertainment. Relocate here only if your salary ($107,000+) justifies the premium or coastal lifestyle is non-negotiable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ventura County
Affordability Verdict
Ventura County is moderately affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $2,248/month representing approximately 25.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ventura County pay $2,248/month on average, compared to $2,410/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 $89,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $103,286/year. With a median household income of $107,327, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Ventura County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ventura County sits 3% less expensive than Alameda County ($2,318/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ventura County
Rent Burden
25.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,504
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.9%
of gross income
The median home in Ventura County may be a stretch
Median home value is $768,400. Estimated monthly cost: $6,134 vs. your max of $2,504.
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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