Cost of Living in Forestville, CA

Population 3,862 · California · Data vintage 2023

195
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Forestville sits 132% above the national median — $706,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $105,139 (41% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Located 10 miles west of Santa Rosa, Forestville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Santa Rosa's $685,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 232
Rent 141

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

About the Cost of Living in Forestville

The median home value in Forestville is $706,200 — 132% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,851/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,139/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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, Forestville has a cost of living index of 195 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 95% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$706,200
132% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$193,635
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,851/mo
41% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.8x
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 74.3%
Renter-occupied 25.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,851
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,465/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
23.5 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.0%
Carpooled
2.1%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
20.1%

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
$105,139
41% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,717
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
20% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
Labor Force Participation
64.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.2%
Graduate degree 20.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.7
Male median age 42.7
Female median age 45.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 33 — Good
88.5%
Good air days/yr
117
Max AQI recorded
127
PM2.5 days
236
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Forestville, CA?

Forestville has a cost index of 195 (100 = national average). It is 95% above the national average.

What is average rent in Forestville, CA?

The median gross rent in Forestville is $1,851 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Forestville?

The median home value in Forestville is $706,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Forestville?

The median household income in Forestville is $105,139 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Forestville, CA?

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

Is Forestville, CA affordable?

Forestville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 195 — about 95% higher than the national average.

Forestville at a Glance

Population
3,862
Median Income
$105,139
Home Value
$706,200
Median Rent
$1,851/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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