Cost of Living in Del Monte Forest, CA

Population 3,576 · California · Data vintage 2023

460
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $1.8 million, the typical home in Del Monte Forest costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Located 20 miles west of Salinas, Del Monte Forest falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 194% higher than Salinas' $611,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 589
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Del Monte Forest

The median home value in Del Monte Forest is $1,796,900 — 489% 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 $154,730/year is 107% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Del Monte Forest has a cost of living index of 460 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 360% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,796,900
489% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$185,399
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
42.8x
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 85.2%
Renter-occupied 14.8%

💰 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
27.2 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
59.9%
Carpooled
0.6%
Public transit
2.7%
Walked
7.3%
Work from home
28.5%

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
$154,730
107% above avg
Per Capita Income
$128,746
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
22% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
Labor Force Participation
44.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.6%
Graduate degree 40.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 60.5
Male median age 63
Female median age 58.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.8°F
Avg Low
48.9°F
Annual Precip
16.2"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 626263636568697071706562
Low °F 434546475052545554514643
Precip" 3.493.032.801.030.510.130.020.020.070.861.452.83

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
75.1%
Good air days/yr
115
Max AQI recorded
212
PM2.5 days
146
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Del Monte Forest, CA?

Del Monte Forest has a cost index of 460 (100 = national average). It is 360% above the national average.

What is average rent in Del Monte Forest, CA?

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

What is the average home price in Del Monte Forest?

The median home value in Del Monte Forest is $1,796,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Del Monte Forest?

The median household income in Del Monte Forest is $154,730 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Del Monte Forest, CA?

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

Is Del Monte Forest, CA affordable?

Del Monte Forest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 460 — about 360% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Del Monte Forest?

Del Monte Forest 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.

Del Monte Forest at a Glance

Population
3,576
Median Income
$154,730
Home Value
$1,796,900
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
65.8°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data