Cost of Living in Clayton, CA
Population 10,962 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Clayton run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $172,226 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Clayton is part of the immediate Concord metro area. Median home values run roughly 35% higher than Concord's $756,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clayton
The median home value in Clayton is $1,017,300 — 234% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $172,226/year is 131% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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, Clayton has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% 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 Clayton, CA?
Clayton has a cost index of 307 (100 = national average). It is 207% above the national average.
What is average rent in Clayton, CA?
The median gross rent in Clayton is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clayton?
The median home value in Clayton is $1,017,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clayton?
The median household income in Clayton is $172,226 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clayton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clayton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Clayton, CA affordable?
Clayton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 307 — about 207% higher than the national average.
Clayton at a Glance
- Population
- 10,962
- Median Income
- $172,226
- Home Value
- $1,017,300
- Median Rent
- $3,501/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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