Cost of Living in Brentwood, CA
Population 64,609 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Brentwood run well above the national baseline, with a median of $792,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $139,567 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Brentwood sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Antioch — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Antioch's $607,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brentwood
The median home value in Brentwood is $791,600 — 160% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,509/month, 91% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $139,567/year is 87% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Brentwood has a cost of living index of 232 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 132% 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 Brentwood, CA?
Brentwood has a cost index of 232 (100 = national average). It is 132% above the national average.
What is average rent in Brentwood, CA?
The median gross rent in Brentwood is $2,509 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brentwood?
The median home value in Brentwood is $791,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brentwood?
The median household income in Brentwood is $139,567 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brentwood, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brentwood is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Brentwood, CA affordable?
Brentwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 232 — about 132% higher than the national average.
Brentwood at a Glance
- Population
- 64,609
- Median Income
- $139,567
- Home Value
- $791,600
- Median Rent
- $2,509/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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