Cost of Living in King City, CA
Population 13,512 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
King City sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
King City is about 45 miles southeast of Salinas, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in King City
The median home value in King City is $395,800 — 30% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,527/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,090/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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, King City has a cost of living index of 124 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 King City, CA?
King City has a cost index of 124 (100 = national average). It is 24% above the national average.
What is average rent in King City, CA?
The median gross rent in King City is $1,527 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in King City?
The median home value in King City is $395,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in King City?
The median household income in King City is $63,090 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in King City, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in King City is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is King City, CA affordable?
King City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 124 — about 24% higher than the national average.
King City at a Glance
- Population
- 13,512
- Median Income
- $63,090
- Home Value
- $395,800
- Median Rent
- $1,527/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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