Cost of Living in East Palo Alto, CA
Population 29,143 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
East Palo Alto's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 269% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $104,832 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 8 miles northwest of Sunnyvale, East Palo Alto falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Sunnyvale's $1.8 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in East Palo Alto
The median home value in East Palo Alto is $1,124,000 — 269% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,209/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,832/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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 69.3°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, East Palo Alto has a cost of living index of 288 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 188% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 62 | 65 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 74 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 42 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 53 | 56 | 59 | 59 | 57 | 53 | 46 | 42 |
| Precip" | 2.49 | 2.90 | 2.04 | 0.98 | 0.43 | 0.10 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.56 | 1.36 | 2.51 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in East Palo Alto, CA?
East Palo Alto has a cost index of 288 (100 = national average). It is 188% above the national average.
What is average rent in East Palo Alto, CA?
The median gross rent in East Palo Alto is $2,209 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in East Palo Alto?
The median home value in East Palo Alto is $1,124,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in East Palo Alto?
The median household income in East Palo Alto is $104,832 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in East Palo Alto, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Palo Alto is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is East Palo Alto, CA affordable?
East Palo Alto is above average in cost of living, with an index of 288 — about 188% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in East Palo Alto?
East Palo Alto has average high temperatures of 69.3°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
East Palo Alto at a Glance
- Population
- 29,143
- Median Income
- $104,832
- Home Value
- $1,124,000
- Median Rent
- $2,209/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs