Cost of Living in Hercules, CA

Population 26,245 · California · Data vintage 2023

237
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Hercules's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $741,000 for a typical home, 143% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $130,583 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Located 6 miles south of Vallejo, Hercules falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% higher than Vallejo's $558,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 243
Rent 229

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

About the Cost of Living in Hercules

The median home value in Hercules is $741,200 — 143% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,003/month, 129% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $130,583/year is 75% 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, Hercules has a cost of living index of 237 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 137% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$741,200
143% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$736,935
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,003/mo
129% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,877/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6x
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 81.1%
Renter-occupied 18.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,003
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,617/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
43.1 min
60% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.9%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
9.1%
Walked
0.3%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
18.1%

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
$130,583
75% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,098
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Labor Force Participation
66.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.0%
Graduate degree 14.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.5
Male median age 41.9
Female median age 45.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
47.4%
Good air days/yr
110
Max AQI recorded
270
PM2.5 days
94
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hercules, CA?

Hercules has a cost index of 237 (100 = national average). It is 137% above the national average.

What is average rent in Hercules, CA?

The median gross rent in Hercules is $3,003 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hercules?

The median home value in Hercules is $741,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hercules?

The median household income in Hercules is $130,583 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hercules, CA?

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

Is Hercules, CA affordable?

Hercules is above average in cost of living, with an index of 237 — about 137% higher than the national average.