Cost of Living in Interlaken, CA

Population 8,191 · California · Data vintage 2023

218
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Interlaken sits 158% above the national median — $787,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $111,021 (49% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Located 20 miles north of Salinas, Interlaken falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than Salinas' $611,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 258
Rent 158

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

About the Cost of Living in Interlaken

The median home value in Interlaken is $787,400 — 158% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,080/month, 58% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,021/year is 49% 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 68.1°F and lows of 46.3°F. Overall, Interlaken has a cost of living index of 218 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 118% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$787,400
158% above avg
Median Rent
$2,080/mo
58% 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 68.2%
Renter-occupied 31.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,080
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,694/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
28.5 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.2%
Carpooled
15.1%
Public transit
2.0%
Walked
0.4%
Work from home
9.0%

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
$111,021
49% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,003
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
11% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
64.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.8%
Graduate degree 5.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.4
Male median age 32
Female median age 38.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.1°F
Avg Low
46.3°F
Annual Precip
22.3"
30° 43° 55° 68° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616264666972727375746761
Low °F 404243454850535352484339
Precip" 4.604.024.341.250.880.180.020.030.070.852.104.01

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 36 — Good
82.2%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
189
PM2.5 days
176
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Interlaken, CA?

Interlaken has a cost index of 218 (100 = national average). It is 118% above the national average.

What is average rent in Interlaken, CA?

The median gross rent in Interlaken is $2,080 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Interlaken?

The median home value in Interlaken is $787,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Interlaken?

The median household income in Interlaken is $111,021 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Interlaken, CA?

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

Is Interlaken, CA affordable?

Interlaken is above average in cost of living, with an index of 218 — about 118% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Interlaken?

Interlaken has average high temperatures of 68.1°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 22.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Interlaken at a Glance

Population
8,191
Median Income
$111,021
Home Value
$787,400
Median Rent
$2,080/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
68.1°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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