Cost of Living in Larkspur, CA

Population 12,856 · California · Data vintage 2023

442
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $1.8 million, the typical home in Larkspur costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Located 9 miles west of Richmond, Larkspur falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 178% higher than Richmond's $650,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 592
Rent 218

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

About the Cost of Living in Larkspur

The median home value in Larkspur is $1,805,100 — 492% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,867/month, 118% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $134,744/year is 81% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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, Larkspur has a cost of living index of 442 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 342% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,805,100
492% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$114,444
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,867/mo
118% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,457/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
52.5x
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 48.3%
Renter-occupied 51.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,867
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,481/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
33.0 min
22% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.3%
Carpooled
6.8%
Public transit
3.8%
Walked
3.6%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
28.9%

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
$134,744
81% above avg
Per Capita Income
$103,235
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
15% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Labor Force Participation
64.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.0%
Graduate degree 33.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.9
Male median age 49.6
Female median age 50.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 34 — Good
86.8%
Good air days/yr
99
Max AQI recorded
147
PM2.5 days
212
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Larkspur, CA?

Larkspur has a cost index of 442 (100 = national average). It is 342% above the national average.

What is average rent in Larkspur, CA?

The median gross rent in Larkspur is $2,867 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Larkspur?

The median home value in Larkspur is $1,805,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Larkspur?

The median household income in Larkspur is $134,744 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Larkspur, CA?

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

Is Larkspur, CA affordable?

Larkspur is above average in cost of living, with an index of 442 — about 342% higher than the national average.