C
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
1%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Red Bluff California National
Cost of living108140100
Goods & Services109111100
Groceries108112100
Health care113109100
Housing101196100
Transportation121126100
Utilities114127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Red Bluff, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Red Bluff is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Red Bluff is 108, which is 8% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Red Bluff aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Red Bluff residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Red Bluff?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 16 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Red Bluff. The feedback revealed that 13% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 88% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Red Bluff Affordable?

Is Red Bluff an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Red Bluff, the median home price is 1.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 0.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Red Bluff come in at $37,326, which is 32.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Red Bluff?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Red Bluff comes in at 14% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Red Bluff, healthcare costs are 13.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Red Bluff cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Red Bluff is 22% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Red Bluff is 8% higher than the national average
  • Red Bluff housing is 1% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Red Bluff

See all the best places to live around Red Bluff

Compare Red Bluff, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$57,418$4,785$1,340$1,723
      Renters$25,615$2,135$598$769
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Red Bluff, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Red Bluff, the median monthly income is $57,418 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,340 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $25,615, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $598 on monthly rental expenses.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      Haircut $40.00$24.2664.9%
      Beauty Salon $60.53$45.5632.8%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.701.0%
      Shampoo $1.44$1.2812.5%
      Movie $13.76$12.1313.4%
      Bowling $22.22$18.0023.5%

      Groceries

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.56$5.844.7%
      Fried Chicken $2.06$1.5731.0%
      Milk $4.93$4.675.5%
      Potatoes $4.69$4.935.0%
      Pizza $13.98$12.0915.7%
      Beer $10.49$10.410.8%

      Health Care

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $153.50$125.6822.1%
      Doctor $201.43$135.7848.3%
      Dentist $115.72$113.292.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.03$10.653.5%
      Lipitor $380.45$468.6018.8%

      Housing

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      Home Price $187,700.00$184,700.001.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,182.68$2,346.6935.6%
      Apartment Rent $951.00$949.000.2%

      Transportation

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.51$3.4630.2%
      Tire Balancing $58.67$59.922.1%

      Utilities

      Item Red Bluff National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $238.53$193.9923.0%
      Phone $190.81$192.250.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Proberta, CA3611211.6%
      Gerber, CA1,0841000.2%
      Rancho Tehama Reserve, CA1,7501011.4%
      Los Molinos, CA1,9241076.9%
      Tehama, CA5031077.3%
      Red Bluff, CA14,0911088.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Wylie, SC14,09112019.8%
      Kings Park West, VA14,09016262.4%
      Moultrie, GA14,0868614.0%
      Deming, NM14,0838020.3%
      Vail, AZ14,09911818.3%
      Red Bluff, CA14,0911088.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.