On average, a Southern California residence has been 118% pricier than the national norm since 2005.
Architect of the Capitol workers clear snow outside the U.S. Capitol, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Washington. People walk on a snow-covered street as a winter storm passes though the area Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo.
Airport crew plow snow during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Architect of the Capitol workers clear snow outside the U.S. Capitol, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Washington. This past weekend reminded us of an important yardstick often ignored: how pleasant Southern California winters are.You weren’t the type to mention our meteorological advantage to relatives or friends who were iced in? My trusty spreadsheet used a simplistic measure to gauge weather’s effect on housing costs. Consider the extra cost of Southern California’s mild climate by eyeballing the six-county median sales price relative to the national median, using data from real estate tracker Attom. It’s the type of financial statistic a snowed-in loved one could use as a retort to any Southern Californian flaunting their weather: The typical Southern California buyerSome call it a sunshine tax. Since there are national warm spots with far cheaper housing, don’t forget Southern California’s dry air.The region’s pokey residential construction pace is a big factor. And don’t forget the lofty salaries paid to many of the region’s workers, which bid up prices.But you cannot ignore the mild climate’s role in that wide chasm between local home costs and what the nation pays. Forget stats on what’s for sale or how unaffordable it is. This may sound cheesy or not very cerebral, but weather matters. We may ignore this price pressure because the weather is nothing new. On average, a Southern California residence has been 118% pricier than the national norm, according to stats going back to 2005. Yet the gap has not always been steady. While the premium has stayed above 100% since 2012, economic swings can alter the size of the gap. Over the past 21 years, it peaked at 155% in May 2007 – during the previous housing bubble – and bottomed at 62% in April 2009, after the bubble burst.More evidence of housing’s climate impact is how this price gap relative to the national average varies across the region.It’s a key reason why Orange County’s $1.16 million median price in November was 217% above the U.S. price. Yes, more than triple. And this gap has averaged 202% over 21 years. Extremes? The county’s gap hit a high 243% in February 2025, perhaps a signal that current prices are a bit lofty. A low of 136% was in November 2008. In Los Angeles County, the $888,000 median was a 143% premium. The gap has averaged 146% since 2005, ranging from 177% in May 2007 to 96% in May 2009. San Diego County’s $872,200 median was a 139% premium, averaging 137%. Extremes: 169% in February 2005 and 81% in November 2008. Ventura County’s $850,000 median was a 133% premium, averaging 155%. Extremes ranged from 201% in February 2006 to 107% in December 2008. Sea breezes boost real estate values. Think about the Inland Empire, with warm winters but sizzling summers. It’s where homes sell for more modest premiums. Riverside County’s $599,000 median was a 64% premium vs. a 61% average. Its high was only 109% in November 2006. And in June 2009, it slumped to 9%. And San Bernardino County’s $525,000 median was a 44% premium compared with the 36% average. It has never been above 82%, with a high set in November 2006.Has California housing become a buyer’s market?Amazon is closing all Amazon Fresh stores, including one in San Diego County. Here is why. At 82, retired teacher and former marathon runner has discovered his next chapter doesn’t require a busy social calendar At 82, retired teacher and former marathon runner has discovered his next chapter doesn’t require a busy social calendarReport: San Diego could save a ton of money if it relocates City HallAfter second trial, jury convicts San Diego County deputy who seriously injured restrained inmate
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