Cost of Living in Atherton, CA
Population 7,021 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Atherton's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $2 million sit roughly 7 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.
Geographically, Atherton sits roughly 9 miles southeast of San Mateo. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than San Mateo's $1.6 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Atherton
The median home value in Atherton is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Atherton has a cost of living index of 500 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 400% more expensive.
Atherton 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 Atherton, CA?
Atherton has a cost index of 500 (100 = national average). It is 400% above the national average.
What is average rent in Atherton, CA?
The median gross rent in Atherton is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Atherton?
The median home value in Atherton is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Atherton?
The median household income in Atherton is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Atherton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Atherton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Atherton, CA affordable?
Atherton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 500 — about 400% higher than the national average.
Atherton at a Glance
- Population
- 7,021
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $3,501/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data