Cost of Living in Carmel Valley Village, CA
Population 4,435 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Carmel Valley Village run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.2 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $164,167 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Carmel Valley Village sits roughly 14 miles southwest of Salinas. Median home values run roughly 89% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carmel Valley Village
The median home value in Carmel Valley Village is $1,155,800 — 279% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,223/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $164,167/year is 120% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 65.8°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Carmel Valley Village has a cost of living index of 295 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 195% more expensive.
Carmel Valley Village is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities 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 Valley Village, CA?
Carmel Valley Village has a cost index of 295 (100 = national average). It is 195% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carmel Valley Village, CA?
The median gross rent in Carmel Valley Village is $2,223 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carmel Valley Village?
The median home value in Carmel Valley Village is $1,155,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Carmel Valley Village?
The median household income in Carmel Valley Village is $164,167 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carmel Valley Village, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carmel Valley Village is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Carmel Valley Village, CA affordable?
Carmel Valley Village is above average in cost of living, with an index of 295 — about 195% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carmel Valley Village?
Carmel Valley Village 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 Valley Village at a Glance
- Population
- 4,435
- Median Income
- $164,167
- Home Value
- $1,155,800
- Median Rent
- $2,223/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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