Cost of Living in Fremont, CA

Population 228,518 · 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

At $1.3 million, the typical home in Fremont costs about 4× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Cost Overview

Housing 423
Rent 221

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

About the Cost of Living in Fremont

The median home value in Fremont is $1,289,400 — 323% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,905/month, 121% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $176,350/year is 136% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below 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, Fremont has a cost of living index of 342 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 242% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,289,400
323% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,511,226
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,905/mo
121% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,012/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
37.0x
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 60.2%
Renter-occupied 39.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,905
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,519/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
34.2 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
30.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
54.4%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
4.7%
Walked
1.1%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
30.7%

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
$176,350
136% above avg
Per Capita Income
$73,378
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
10% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
Labor Force Participation
67.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.5%
Graduate degree 30.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.8
Male median age 38.7
Female median age 39

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.3°F
Avg Low
50.6°F
Annual Precip
13.4"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596265687276777778746659
Low °F 424547495356595957534642
Precip" 2.492.902.040.980.430.100.000.010.070.561.362.51

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
54%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
219
PM2.5 days
129
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fremont, CA?

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

What is average rent in Fremont, CA?

The median gross rent in Fremont is $2,905 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fremont?

The median home value in Fremont is $1,289,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fremont?

The median household income in Fremont is $176,350 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fremont, CA?

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

Is Fremont, CA affordable?

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

What is the weather like in Fremont?

Fremont 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.