Cost of Living in Boulder Creek, CA
Population 5,353 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Boulder Creek run well above the national baseline, with a median of $785,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $106,842 place the city among the better-paid California metros. At 9.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Boulder Creek 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 49% lower than Santa Clara's $1.5 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Boulder Creek
The median home value in Boulder Creek is $785,200 — 157% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,844/month, 40% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,842/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.2%, 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, Boulder Creek has a cost of living index of 211 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 111% more expensive.
Boulder Creek 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 Boulder Creek, CA?
Boulder Creek has a cost index of 211 (100 = national average). It is 111% above the national average.
What is average rent in Boulder Creek, CA?
The median gross rent in Boulder Creek is $1,844 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Boulder Creek?
The median home value in Boulder Creek is $785,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Boulder Creek?
The median household income in Boulder Creek is $106,842 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Boulder Creek, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Boulder Creek is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Boulder Creek, CA affordable?
Boulder Creek is above average in cost of living, with an index of 211 — about 111% higher than the national average.
Boulder Creek at a Glance
- Population
- 5,353
- Median Income
- $106,842
- Home Value
- $785,200
- Median Rent
- $1,844/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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