Cost of Living in Elk Grove, CA

Population 177,221 · California · Data vintage 2023

185
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Elk Grove sits 98% above the national median — $603,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $122,229 (64% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Cost Overview

Housing 198
Rent 166

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

About the Cost of Living in Elk Grove

The median home value in Elk Grove is $603,400 — 98% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,180/month, 66% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $122,229/year is 64% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 74.7°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Elk Grove has a cost of living index of 185 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 85% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$603,400
98% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$631,637
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,180/mo
66% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,640/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.1x
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 73.9%
Renter-occupied 26.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,180
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,794/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
34.0 min
26% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.4%
Carpooled
9.9%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
19.2%

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
$122,229
64% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,932
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
39% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
Labor Force Participation
65.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.4%
Graduate degree 12.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39
Male median age 38
Female median age 40.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.7°F
Avg Low
48.9°F
Annual Precip
18.1"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566166728088939289796556
Low °F 394245475257595957504339
Precip" 3.663.492.681.260.750.230.000.040.090.851.663.43

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
49.3%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
166
PM2.5 days
199
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elk Grove, CA?

Elk Grove has a cost index of 185 (100 = national average). It is 85% above the national average.

What is average rent in Elk Grove, CA?

The median gross rent in Elk Grove is $2,180 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elk Grove?

The median home value in Elk Grove is $603,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Elk Grove?

The median household income in Elk Grove is $122,229 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elk Grove, CA?

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

Is Elk Grove, CA affordable?

Elk Grove is above average in cost of living, with an index of 185 — about 85% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Elk Grove?

Elk Grove has average high temperatures of 74.7°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 18.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elk Grove at a Glance

Population
177,221
Median Income
$122,229
Home Value
$603,400
Median Rent
$2,180/mo
Unemployment
6.7%
Avg High Temp
74.7°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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