Cost of Living in Capitola, CA
Population 9,813 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Capitola sits 145% above the national median — $746,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $96,412 (29% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Capitola sits roughly 25 miles southwest of San Jose. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than San Jose's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Capitola
The median home value in Capitola is $746,000 — 145% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,376/month, 81% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,412/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Capitola has a cost of living index of 219 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 119% more expensive.
Capitola 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 Capitola, CA?
Capitola has a cost index of 219 (100 = national average). It is 119% above the national average.
What is average rent in Capitola, CA?
The median gross rent in Capitola is $2,376 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Capitola?
The median home value in Capitola is $746,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Capitola?
The median household income in Capitola is $96,412 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Capitola, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Capitola is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Capitola, CA affordable?
Capitola is above average in cost of living, with an index of 219 — about 119% higher than the national average.
Capitola at a Glance
- Population
- 9,813
- Median Income
- $96,412
- Home Value
- $746,000
- Median Rent
- $2,376/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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