Cost of Living in Aptos, CA
Population 6,124 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Aptos run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $135,349 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Aptos sits roughly 20 miles south of San Jose. Median home values run roughly 8% 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 Aptos
The median home value in Aptos is $1,098,200 — 260% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,826/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $135,349/year is 81% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Aptos has a cost of living index of 272 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 172% more expensive.
Aptos has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Aptos, CA?
Aptos has a cost index of 272 (100 = national average). It is 172% above the national average.
What is average rent in Aptos, CA?
The median gross rent in Aptos is $1,826 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Aptos?
The median home value in Aptos is $1,098,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Aptos?
The median household income in Aptos is $135,349 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Aptos, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Aptos is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Aptos, CA affordable?
Aptos is above average in cost of living, with an index of 272 — about 172% higher than the national average.
Aptos at a Glance
- Population
- 6,124
- Median Income
- $135,349
- Home Value
- $1,098,200
- Median Rent
- $1,826/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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