Cost Of Living In Eureka, CA (Taxes, Housing & More)

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by Upgraded Home Team

Eureka is a port city located on the Northern California Coast on the shores of Humboldt Bay. It’s an older city with lots of Victorian-style homes but also newer, modern homes as well. Eureka is located in what’s known as the Redwood Empire region of California, which is famous for its legendary Redwood and Sequoia trees.

Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR. Eureka has a temperate climate and is known for having rainy winters and dry summers. It’s a major commercial fishing port, and much of its architecture is reminiscent of its maritime history and also its roots as a Gold Rush mining town.

The median home cost of living in Eureka, California is $261,900. However, this does not cover other living costs, such as child care, utilities, groceries, and taxes. With a cost of living index of 98.9, it is slightly less expensive than the US average of 100.0 but higher than California’s overall 92.4 rating.

Eureka’s minimum wage is $13.00 an hour, while the livable wage is $14.37 an hour. Many people will have a range of pay bases to help them afford to live in Eureka. Eureka’s cost is considerably less than living in San Francisco or New York City, but costs do add up. Here’s a breakdown of precisely what you might spend to live monthly in Eureka, California.

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Homeownership Costs in Eureka, California?

Owning a home in Eureka is comparatively less than in other areas of the country. Most homes in Eureka cost around $261,900. The average price of a home in the US is $284,600, which makes Eureka approximately 9% lower than the national average.

There are some expensive homes in Eureka where the price goes up to $3.75 million. However, these are very large, Queen Anne-style, historical estates on several acres of land. There are affordable homes in Eureka and something to fit your budget. If you don’t think you can afford it, try renting!

Rental Costs in Eureka, California

When you move to Eureka, you will notice there are a few homes to rent. In fact, 0.7% of houses and apartments in Eureka are available to rent. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

Style of HomePrice Per Month
Studio$665
1 Bedroom$765
2 Bedroom$998
3 Bedroom$1443
4 Bedroom$1660

Unsurprisingly, California ranks second on the list of states with the highest rental prices in the nation, behind Hawaii. It’s also important to note that some cities in California have some of the highest reported rents in the country. However, this is not the case with Eureka. Compared to California and many states, rent is Eureka is affordable and often an excellent deal, especially being located in a historical city like Eureka.

The average monthly rent for an apartment in Eureka, California is only $692. Though, you can expect to pay as little as $665 or as much as $1,660, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.

Taxes in Eureka, California

Taxpayers in Eureka, California pay three main forms of state and local taxes: local property taxes, a state income tax, and state and local sales taxes. Undeniably, California taxes are among the highest in the nation, with both sales and state income tax rates generally very high. However, the effective property tax rates tend to be below the national average.

Sales Tax in Eureka, California

California is known for having the highest base sales tax in the country, at 7.25%. Though, only a quarter of the cities in the state have this rate, as each local government can impose their own taxes on top of that. Eureka Measure H was on the ballot back in 2020, which was approved and increased the local sales tax from 0.5% to 1.25%. So, as of July 2021, the total sales tax in Eureka, California is 9.25%.

Property Taxes in Eureka, California

In addition to the relatively affordable housing prices, Eureka homeowners enjoy a property tax rate that is lower than the national average. The average effective property tax rate in Humboldt County, where Eureka is located, is 0.73%, compared to the national average of 1.07%. This translates to about $1,651 in annual property taxes for Eureka homeowners.

Income Taxes in Eureka, California

The state of California has a progressive income tax system, meaning the rate you pay is based on how much you earn. In other words, the higher your annual earnings, the higher your income tax rate. There are ten income tax brackets in total in California, starting at 1% and reaching as high as 13.3% for earners making more than $1 million.

Utility Costs in Eureka, California

In every single state you move to, you will have to pay utilities. If you are renting a home or apartment, sometimes utility fees are rolled into monthly rental payments, but you will have to check your rental contract to be sure. For a small apartment of 915 sq ft, you can expect to pay $126.80 a month for the basic utilities. What do utilities include?

  • Electricity
  • Cooling
  • Heating
  • Water
  • Garbage

There may be certain places that do not include garbage, and you will have to find your way to dispose of your trash. Some places will cover this cost, but you must provide your garbage cans that still need to meet community requirements.

Child Care Costs in Eureka, California

Caring for children can be expensive. For working parents, child care is a necessity. Child care is a part of daily life that many people don’t talk about or think about because it just has to be done. But it can be a considerable expense.

Eureka’s average cost of full-time daycare per week is $440.75. Prices will vary depending on the age of the child. You can expect to pay approximately $1,763 per month per child for care in Eureka. If you are looking at a private daycare that may also teach your children or prep them for school, you will end up paying much more. It all depends on what you want and what you are looking for.

Food & Grocery Costs in Eureka, California

Something we sometimes overlook when moving to a new area is the cost of food. Grocery shopping is something most of us do weekly, and sometimes monthly. The bigger your family is, the most you will pay for food.

Here is a list of some grocery items and prices in Eureka; this can be a good starting place to figure out what you eat and how much you’ll spend a week or a month.

Food ItemCost
1 Gallon of Milk$4.08
1 Loaf of White Bread$3.71
1 Carton of Eggs$3.71
Local Cheese$7.00
1 Pound of Chicken$4.47
1 Pound of Onion$0.55
1 Head of Lettuce$1.87
1 Bottle of Mid-Range Wine$12.00
0.5 Liters of Domestic Beer$2.14

Entertainment Costs in Eureka, California

After moving, you will want to start going to do fun activities that Eureka offers, and most of them will cost money. What is there to do, and how much does it cost? The truth is there are many different things to do, a wide variety of things to do. You will need to set yourself a budget and stick with it. Here is a list of activities that can help you determine that budget.

Activity Price Range
Restaurants (2 people/mid-range)$52.50
Fitness Club (one adult, monthly fee)$49.29
Movies (1 adult ticket)$9.50

Depending on where and when you go, activities fees will vary. There can always be extra expenses with activities, depending on the time of day, day of the week, number of people attending, etc.

Education Costs in Eureka, California

Educating kids is expensive, even more so if you’re interested in sending them to private school. There are so many costs that add up every year we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible.

On average, Eureka schools have 22 kids per class and spend about $12,082 per student. However, that does not mean you have to pay that amount; it means that’s what it costs the school. Here are some other things to keep in mind when looking at education costs in Eureka.

Private School

There are four top private schools in Eureka, California. The average private school tuition in California is $11,594 for elementary school and $19,996 per high school per year. Prices of private schools in Eureka may be slightly higher or lower.

Universities and Colleges

Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA is just a few miles north of Eureka and is an excellent option for many locals. Another option is the College of Redwoods. If you are thinking of attending a university or college, this may be a budget-friendly option compared to other states.

If you become a California resident who attends Humboldt State University or College of the Redwoods, you will spend around $7,863 for tuition alone. However, this does not cover costs or room and board or any textbook fees.


Related Questions

How much do you need to live comfortably in Eureka?

On average, to live comfortably in Eureka, you will need to make at least $29,898 a year. This means you would need to make $2,491 a month to live on your own in Eureka. The bigger your family is, the more you will need to make.


Is Eureka a good place to live?

Many people say Eureka has a small-town feel to it. Even though it is a beautiful port city, it is small enough to feel like a town. Beautiful Redwood trees are abundant in Eureka and there is a lot of access to nature: forests, beaches, and lots of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and discovering nature. It’s ideal for both young professionals and growing families.


What are the main industries in Eureka?

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the major industries in Eureka.

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Is Eureka Right for You?

Eureka might be one of California’s best-kept secrets. Bordered by Humboldt Bay and mountains, Eureka is a quiet city but there’s a lot to see and do. Arts and culture, great restaurants and pubs, shopping, parks, and outdoor recreation are all close by. Eureka is a city that’s very livable. Eureka is an enjoyable area to visit with nightlife and activities if you are a single person. It’s also a great place to raise a family.

It may be cheaper than other areas of California to live, compared to major cities like San Francisco. However, depending on the size of the house you choose and the size of your family, it may also be expensive, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when choosing where to live.

If you’re not completely sold on Eureka but are still considering relocating to the Golden State, check out What Are The 10 Fastest Growing Cities In California?

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Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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