COLD

Cost of Living in Cupertino, CA

Population 58,886 · California · Data vintage 2023

500
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Cupertino cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $2 million, roughly 7 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.

Located 5 miles south of Sunnyvale, Cupertino falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Sunnyvale's $1.8 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 266

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Cupertino

The median home value in Cupertino is $2,000,001 — 556% 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 $231,139/year is 210% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Cupertino has a cost of living index of 500 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 400% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$3,121,346
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,950/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
47.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 61.3%
Renter-occupied 38.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.1%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
2.8%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
28.3%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$231,139
210% above avg
Per Capita Income
$106,821
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
29% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Labor Force Participation
62.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.1%
Graduate degree 49.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.3
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 42.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
65.8%
Good air days/yr
134
Max AQI recorded
179
PM2.5 days
184
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cupertino, CA?

Cupertino has a cost index of 500 (100 = national average). It is 400% above the national average.

What is average rent in Cupertino, CA?

The median gross rent in Cupertino is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Cupertino?

The median home value in Cupertino is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Cupertino?

The median household income in Cupertino is $231,139 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Cupertino, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cupertino is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Cupertino, CA affordable?

Cupertino is above average in cost of living, with an index of 500 — about 400% higher than the national average.

Cupertino at a Glance

Population
58,886
Median Income
$231,139
Home Value
$2,000,001
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
3.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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