Cost of Living in Carmichael, CA
Population 78,070 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carmichael lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $542,000 — 78% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in California. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 9 miles northeast of Sacramento, Carmichael falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Sacramento's $485,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carmichael
The median home value in Carmichael is $541,500 — 78% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,595/month, 21% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,376/year is 13% 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, Carmichael has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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 Carmichael, CA?
Carmichael has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carmichael, CA?
The median gross rent in Carmichael is $1,595 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carmichael?
The median home value in Carmichael is $541,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carmichael?
The median household income in Carmichael is $84,376 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carmichael, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carmichael is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Carmichael, CA affordable?
Carmichael is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.
Carmichael at a Glance
- Population
- 78,070
- Median Income
- $84,376
- Home Value
- $541,500
- Median Rent
- $1,595/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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