Cost of Living in Mill Valley, CA
Population 14,064 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $2 million, the typical home in Mill Valley costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. At 8.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Mill Valley sits roughly 10 miles west of Richmond. Median home values run roughly 208% higher than Richmond's $650,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mill Valley
The median home value in Mill Valley is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,313/month, 152% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $208,466/year is 180% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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, Mill Valley has a cost of living index of 494 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 394% 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 Mill Valley, CA?
Mill Valley has a cost index of 494 (100 = national average). It is 394% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mill Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Mill Valley is $3,313 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mill Valley?
The median home value in Mill Valley is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mill Valley?
The median household income in Mill Valley is $208,466 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mill Valley, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mill Valley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Mill Valley, CA affordable?
Mill Valley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 494 — about 394% higher than the national average.
Mill Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 14,064
- Median Income
- $208,466
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $3,313/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data