Cost of Living in Alum Rock, CA
Population 11,619 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Alum Rock sits 189% above the national median — $880,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $111,976 (50% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Alum Rock sits roughly 5 miles north of San Jose — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than San Jose's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alum Rock
The median home value in Alum Rock is $880,000 — 189% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,412/month, 84% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,976/year is 50% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Alum Rock has a cost of living index of 247 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 147% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alum Rock, CA?
Alum Rock has a cost index of 247 (100 = national average). It is 147% above the national average.
What is average rent in Alum Rock, CA?
The median gross rent in Alum Rock is $2,412 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alum Rock?
The median home value in Alum Rock is $880,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Alum Rock?
The median household income in Alum Rock is $111,976 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alum Rock, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alum Rock is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Alum Rock, CA affordable?
Alum Rock is above average in cost of living, with an index of 247 — about 147% higher than the national average.
Alum Rock at a Glance
- Population
- 11,619
- Median Income
- $111,976
- Home Value
- $880,000
- Median Rent
- $2,412/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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