Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay, CA
Population 11,454 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Half Moon Bay cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.5 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Half Moon Bay sits roughly 10 miles southwest of San Mateo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with San Mateo's $1.6 million median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Half Moon Bay
The median home value in Half Moon Bay is $1,467,000 — 381% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,299/month, 75% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $153,199/year is 105% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Half Moon Bay has a cost of living index of 359 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 259% 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 Half Moon Bay, CA?
Half Moon Bay has a cost index of 359 (100 = national average). It is 259% above the national average.
What is average rent in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The median gross rent in Half Moon Bay is $2,299 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Half Moon Bay?
The median home value in Half Moon Bay is $1,467,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Half Moon Bay?
The median household income in Half Moon Bay is $153,199 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Half Moon Bay is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Half Moon Bay, CA affordable?
Half Moon Bay is above average in cost of living, with an index of 359 — about 259% higher than the national average.
Half Moon Bay at a Glance
- Population
- 11,454
- Median Income
- $153,199
- Home Value
- $1,467,000
- Median Rent
- $2,299/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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