Retirement Lists

Cost of Living in Clearlake, California

Mount Konocti as seen from Redbud Park. Clearlake, California.
Photo by Eggsy-B via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Clearlake costs

A lower home price still needs a hazard-aware budget

Census estimates for 2020 through 2024 place median owner value at $214,200, median gross rent at $1,240, and median selected owner costs at $1,536 with a mortgage or $505 without one. Median household income was $41,867, so affordability needs more than a listing comparison.

Add taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, transportation, medical care, prescriptions, smoke preparation, and any flood or fire coverage to the actual address budget.

Planning a monthly budget

A local monthly estimate of $3,308 gives you the starting point, with transportation taking the largest share.

Housing
$909
Utilities (in rent)
$259
Food
$594/mo
Transportation
$1,289/mo
Healthcare
$516

Utilities are included in housing so they are not added twice. The separate Utilities row is a reference estimate.

How the total can change

A traveler style stay, a couple household, and long term rent answer different planning questions.

Comfortable Living
$4,462

Good

Cost of Living for Couple
$4,941

Good

Typical 1BR Rent
$909

Very Good

Everyday expenses

Dining, transportation, taxes, and car needs can change how the monthly budget feels.

Dining Out
$269/mo

Good

Need for a Car
Recommended
Property Taxes
Low

Good

Overall Feel
Moderate
Residents 65+ Below Poverty Level
19.8%
65+ Householder — Renter Occupied
32.9%
65+ Households With High Housing Costs
46.1%
Median Household Income, Householder 65+
$36,458

Could Clearlake fit your monthly retirement budget?

Compare your monthly budget with a city estimate. Add your expected housing amount when you have a more useful number.

Housing

Enter your expected rent and required housing charges, or leave this blank to use the current renter amount.

Your entries stay in this browser and are not included in analytics.

Starting renter estimates

Use these broad monthly estimates as a starting point, then replace them with costs you know.

One person
$3,308 per month
Two people
$4,941 per month

One-person estimate breakdown

Housing
$909
Food
$594
Transportation
$1,289
Healthcare
$516

Taxes, debt, insurance, out-of-pocket care, travel, and one-time moving costs may not be included.

Clearlake in everyday life

Could Clearlake work for you?

What may work well

  • Census provides clear city housing benchmarks.
  • Some purchase prices may compare favorably with other California markets.

What to think about

  • Income and poverty figures make the complete budget important.
  • Insurance, fire planning, repairs, and regional care may change costs.

Price a Clearlake household

  1. Compare several addresses

    Keep housing, insurance, utilities, repairs, hazard exposure, and access visible for each home.

  2. Map recurring trips

    Price care, groceries, pharmacy, parks, transit, family, and regional specialists from the actual address.

  3. Reserve for smoke and storms

    Keep room for filtration, cooling, repairs, evacuation, backup power, and a ride when conditions change.

Questions retirees ask

Is the $505 figure the full cost of owning without a mortgage?

No. It is the Census median for selected owner costs without a mortgage. Add taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, hazard coverage, care, and transportation.

Why can two Clearlake homes have different budgets?

Insurance, fire and flood exposure, utilities, drainage, repairs, distance, parking, and neighborhood access vary by address.

Clearlake's housing benchmarks are a starting point. The sustainable budget includes the home's hazard exposure, insurance, care route, transportation, repairs, and indoor air plan.

Sources

The budget value gives a starting point for everyday spending. Housing, healthcare, safety, and climate can change what feels comfortable for a household.

Housing mix, exchange rates, healthcare needs, car ownership, and travel style can move a real monthly budget materially.

Partnerships never affect rankings, scores, methodology, or inclusion.

Partner with Retirement Lists

Research and writing by

How this city research is made

Retirement Lists uses documented public sources and methods to research, review, and correct city information. Read our Editorial Policy.