Cost of Living in Manhattan Beach, CA

Population 34,584 · California · Data vintage 2023

500
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Manhattan Beach cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $2 million, roughly 7 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.

Located 6 miles southwest of Inglewood, Manhattan Beach falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 169% higher than Inglewood's $744,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Manhattan Beach

The median home value in Manhattan Beach is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,492/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $193,904/year is 160% 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 70.6°F and lows of 56.6°F. Overall, Manhattan Beach has a cost of living index of 500 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 400% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$3,159,767
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,492/mo
166% above avg
Zillow Rent
$6,084/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
47.7x
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 66.1%
Renter-occupied 33.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,492
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,106/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
32.4 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
34.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.0%
Carpooled
4.2%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
4.4%
Bicycle
0.7%
Work from home
34.1%

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
$193,904
160% above avg
Per Capita Income
$113,441
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
10% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Labor Force Participation
62.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.7%
Graduate degree 37.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4
Male median age 44.2
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.6°F
Avg Low
56.6°F
Annual Precip
12.2"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 666666687072757777747166
Low °F 495052545861646564605449
Precip" 2.862.991.730.600.280.080.040.000.110.490.822.23

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Manhattan Beach, CA?

Manhattan Beach has a cost index of 500 (100 = national average). It is 400% above the national average.

What is average rent in Manhattan Beach, CA?

The median gross rent in Manhattan Beach is $3,492 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Manhattan Beach?

The median home value in Manhattan Beach is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Manhattan Beach?

The median household income in Manhattan Beach is $193,904 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Manhattan Beach, CA?

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

Is Manhattan Beach, CA affordable?

Manhattan Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 500 — about 400% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach has average high temperatures of 70.6°F and average lows of 56.6°F. Annual precipitation is 12.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Manhattan Beach at a Glance

Population
34,584
Median Income
$193,904
Home Value
$2,000,001
Median Rent
$3,492/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
70.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data