Cost of Living in Millbrae, CA
Population 22,589 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.9 million, the typical home in Millbrae costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 6 miles northwest of San Mateo, Millbrae falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than San Mateo's $1.6 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Millbrae
The median home value in Millbrae is $1,929,700 — 533% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,401/month, 159% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $157,567/year is 111% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 66.9°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, Millbrae has a cost of living index of 483 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 383% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 61 | 63 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 72 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 45 | 46 | 48 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 53 | 49 | 45 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.96 | 2.73 | 1.36 | 0.48 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.79 | 2.04 | 4.14 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Millbrae, CA?
Millbrae has a cost index of 483 (100 = national average). It is 383% above the national average.
What is average rent in Millbrae, CA?
The median gross rent in Millbrae is $3,401 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Millbrae?
The median home value in Millbrae is $1,929,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Millbrae?
The median household income in Millbrae is $157,567 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Millbrae, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Millbrae is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Millbrae, CA affordable?
Millbrae is above average in cost of living, with an index of 483 — about 383% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Millbrae?
Millbrae has average high temperatures of 66.9°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Millbrae at a Glance
- Population
- 22,589
- Median Income
- $157,567
- Home Value
- $1,929,700
- Median Rent
- $3,401/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data