Cost of Living in Yolo County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yolo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yolo County ranks #2,687 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yolo County, California
Yolo's rent burden tops U.S. average
Yolo County renters spend 23.7% of their income on housing, outpacing the national median of roughly 20%. This gap widens when you consider that Yolo's median household income of $88,818 is 19% above the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs still take a larger bite.
Above-average affordability for California
Yolo's rent-to-income ratio of 23.7% sits slightly above California's state average of 22.4%, placing it in the middle range across the state's 58 counties. The county's median rent of $1,757 exceeds the state average of $1,618, reflecting broader regional pressure in Northern California.
Pricier than nearby Yuba County
Renters in Yolo pay $548 more monthly than those in neighboring Yuba County ($1,757 vs. $1,209), a 45% premium for comparable geography. Homebuyers face similar disparity: Yolo's median home value of $593,800 outpaces Yuba's $380,000 by over $200,000.
Housing claims nearly a quarter of income
Between rent ($1,757) and ownership costs ($1,966), housing consumes 23.7% of the typical Yolo household's $88,818 annual income. That leaves renters and buyers with substantially less discretionary income compared to areas where housing costs hover closer to 20% of earnings.
Weighing Yolo for your next home?
If affordability is your priority, compare Yolo's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio against nearby alternatives like Yuba County (19.8%) before committing. A move to lower-cost neighboring counties could free up hundreds of dollars monthly, though proximity to UC Davis and regional amenities may justify Yolo's premium for some households.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yolo County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Yolo County is affordable. The median rent is $1,757/month against a median household income of $88,818, putting rent at 23.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Yolo County pay $1,757/month on average, compared to $1,966/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $70,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $84,257/year. With a median household income of $88,818, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Yolo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Yolo County sits 3% more expensive than San Bernardino County ($1,706/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yolo County
Rent Burden
23.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,072
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.6%
of gross income
The median home in Yolo County may be a stretch
Median home value is $593,800. Estimated monthly cost: $4,741 vs. your max of $2,072.
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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