Cost of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Population 3,186 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $2 million, the typical home in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Carmel-by-the-Sea sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Salinas — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 227% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The median home value in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,933/month, 123% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,729/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 65.8°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Carmel-by-the-Sea has a cost of living index of 483 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 383% more expensive.
Carmel-by-the-Sea 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 62 | 63 | 63 | 65 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 62 |
| Low °F | 43 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 43 |
| Precip" | 3.49 | 3.03 | 2.80 | 1.03 | 0.51 | 0.13 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.07 | 0.86 | 1.45 | 2.83 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a cost index of 483 (100 = national average). It is 383% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
The median gross rent in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $2,933 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The median home value in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The median household income in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $115,729 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA affordable?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 483 — about 383% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has average high temperatures of 65.8°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 16.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carmel-by-the-Sea at a Glance
- Population
- 3,186
- Median Income
- $115,729
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $2,933/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data