Cost of Living in Gilroy, CA
Population 58,561 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Gilroy sits 220% above the national median — $976,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $131,554 (76% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Gilroy sits roughly 20 miles north of Salinas — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 60% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gilroy
The median home value in Gilroy is $975,800 — 220% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,270/month, 73% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $131,554/year is 76% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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, Gilroy has a cost of living index of 261 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 161% 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 Gilroy, CA?
Gilroy has a cost index of 261 (100 = national average). It is 161% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gilroy, CA?
The median gross rent in Gilroy is $2,270 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gilroy?
The median home value in Gilroy is $975,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gilroy?
The median household income in Gilroy is $131,554 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gilroy, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gilroy is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Gilroy, CA affordable?
Gilroy is above average in cost of living, with an index of 261 — about 161% higher than the national average.
Gilroy at a Glance
- Population
- 58,561
- Median Income
- $131,554
- Home Value
- $975,800
- Median Rent
- $2,270/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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