Cost of Living in El Granada, CA

Population 5,231 · California · Data vintage 2023

342
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in El Granada cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.4 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

El Granada sits roughly 9 miles west of San Mateo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than San Mateo's $1.6 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 467
Rent 155

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

About the Cost of Living in El Granada

The median home value in El Granada is $1,425,800 — 367% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,034/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $226,384/year is 204% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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, El Granada has a cost of living index of 342 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 242% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,425,800
367% above avg
Median Rent
$2,034/mo
55% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
58.4x
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 87.4%
Renter-occupied 12.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,034
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,648/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
39.9 min
48% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.9%
Carpooled
2.5%
Public transit
3.5%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
29.3%

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
$226,384
204% above avg
Per Capita Income
$104,601
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
73% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
67.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.2%
Graduate degree 26.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.7
Male median age 46.2
Female median age 51.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
97.8%
Good air days/yr
71
Max AQI recorded
16
PM2.5 days
295
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in El Granada, CA?

El Granada has a cost index of 342 (100 = national average). It is 242% above the national average.

What is average rent in El Granada, CA?

The median gross rent in El Granada is $2,034 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in El Granada?

The median home value in El Granada is $1,425,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in El Granada?

The median household income in El Granada is $226,384 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in El Granada, CA?

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

Is El Granada, CA affordable?

El Granada is above average in cost of living, with an index of 342 — about 242% higher than the national average.

El Granada at a Glance

Population
5,231
Median Income
$226,384
Home Value
$1,425,800
Median Rent
$2,034/mo
Unemployment
8.3%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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