Cost of Living in Ben Lomond, CA

Population 6,849 · California · Data vintage 2023

266
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ben Lomond's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $956,000 for a typical home, 213% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $120,977 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 11.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Ben Lomond sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Santa Clara — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Santa Clara's $1.5 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 313
Rent 194

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ben Lomond

The median home value in Ben Lomond is $956,100 — 213% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,550/month, 94% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,977/year is 62% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.4%, 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, Ben Lomond has a cost of living index of 266 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 166% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$956,100
213% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$280,552
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,550/mo
94% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 74.9%
Renter-occupied 25.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,550
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,164/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
38.9 min
44% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.0%
Carpooled
5.9%
Public transit
3.1%
Walked
1.6%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
17.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$120,977
62% above avg
Per Capita Income
$62,910
Unemployment Rate
11.4%
137% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
68.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.0%
Graduate degree 14.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.1
Male median age 45.2
Female median age 47.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 36 — Good
82.2%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
189
PM2.5 days
176
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ben Lomond, CA?

Ben Lomond has a cost index of 266 (100 = national average). It is 166% above the national average.

What is average rent in Ben Lomond, CA?

The median gross rent in Ben Lomond is $2,550 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ben Lomond?

The median home value in Ben Lomond is $956,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ben Lomond?

The median household income in Ben Lomond is $120,977 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ben Lomond, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ben Lomond is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Ben Lomond, CA affordable?

Ben Lomond is above average in cost of living, with an index of 266 — about 166% higher than the national average.

Ben Lomond at a Glance

Population
6,849
Median Income
$120,977
Home Value
$956,100
Median Rent
$2,550/mo
Unemployment
11.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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