Cost of Living in Belmont, CA
Population 27,505 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Belmont cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $2 million, roughly 7 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Belmont is part of the immediate San Mateo metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. 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 Belmont
The median home value in Belmont is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,894/month, 120% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $207,609/year is 178% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above 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, Belmont has a cost of living index of 482 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 382% 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 Belmont, CA?
Belmont has a cost index of 482 (100 = national average). It is 382% above the national average.
What is average rent in Belmont, CA?
The median gross rent in Belmont is $2,894 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Belmont?
The median home value in Belmont is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Belmont?
The median household income in Belmont is $207,609 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Belmont, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Belmont is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Belmont, CA affordable?
Belmont is above average in cost of living, with an index of 482 — about 382% higher than the national average.
Belmont at a Glance
- Population
- 27,505
- Median Income
- $207,609
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $2,894/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data