Cost of Living in Emeryville, CA
Population 12,756 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Emeryville run well above the national baseline, with a median of $598,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $120,302 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Emeryville is part of the immediate Berkeley metro area. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Berkeley's $1.4 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Emeryville
The median home value in Emeryville is $598,300 — 96% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,833/month, 116% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,302/year is 61% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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, Emeryville has a cost of living index of 204 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 104% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Emeryville, CA?
Emeryville has a cost index of 204 (100 = national average). It is 104% above the national average.
What is average rent in Emeryville, CA?
The median gross rent in Emeryville is $2,833 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Emeryville?
The median home value in Emeryville is $598,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Emeryville?
The median household income in Emeryville is $120,302 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Emeryville, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Emeryville is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Emeryville, CA affordable?
Emeryville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 204 — about 104% higher than the national average.
Emeryville at a Glance
- Population
- 12,756
- Median Income
- $120,302
- Home Value
- $598,300
- Median Rent
- $2,833/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- 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