Cost of Living in Gonzales, CA

Population 8,526 · California · Data vintage 2023

165
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

$594,000 is the going rate for a typical Gonzales home, 95% over the national median. Rents of $1,570/month track the same premium.

Gonzales sits roughly 15 miles southeast of Salinas — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Salinas' $611,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 195
Rent 119

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

About the Cost of Living in Gonzales

The median home value in Gonzales is $593,900 — 95% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,570/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,060/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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%. Overall, Gonzales has a cost of living index of 165 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$593,900
95% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$620,629
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,570/mo
19% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.5x
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 57.9%
Renter-occupied 42.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,570
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,184/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
28.3 min
5% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.4%
Carpooled
11.6%
Walked
1.6%
Work from home
2.2%

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
$76,060
2% above avg
Per Capita Income
$25,358
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
Labor Force Participation
62.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.3%
Graduate degree 4.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 27.9
Male median age 27.6
Female median age 28.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
75.1%
Good air days/yr
115
Max AQI recorded
212
PM2.5 days
146
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Gonzales, CA?

Gonzales has a cost index of 165 (100 = national average). It is 65% above the national average.

What is average rent in Gonzales, CA?

The median gross rent in Gonzales is $1,570 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Gonzales?

The median home value in Gonzales is $593,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Gonzales?

The median household income in Gonzales is $76,060 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Gonzales, CA?

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

Is Gonzales, CA affordable?

Gonzales is above average in cost of living, with an index of 165 — about 65% higher than the national average.

Gonzales at a Glance

Population
8,526
Median Income
$76,060
Home Value
$593,900
Median Rent
$1,570/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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