Cost of Living in Milpitas, CA

Population 78,216 · California · Data vintage 2023

327
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Milpitas run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.2 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $176,822 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Geographically, Milpitas sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Fremont. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Fremont's $1.3 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 387
Rent 237

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

About the Cost of Living in Milpitas

The median home value in Milpitas is $1,180,000 — 287% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,112/month, 137% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $176,822/year is 137% 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%. The climate averages highs of 71.2°F and lows of 50.2°F. Overall, Milpitas has a cost of living index of 327 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 227% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,180,000
287% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,480,233
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,112/mo
137% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,348/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.6x
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 59.3%
Renter-occupied 40.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,112
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,726/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
28.9 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.4%
Carpooled
10.1%
Public transit
2.4%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
22.5%

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
$176,822
137% above avg
Per Capita Income
$67,448
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
14% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Labor Force Participation
67.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.7%
Graduate degree 25.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.4
Male median age 35.7
Female median age 37.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.2°F
Avg Low
50.2°F
Annual Precip
13.5"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 606266697479818181766660
Low °F 424446485256585957534642
Precip" 2.802.692.081.070.390.180.000.050.070.531.332.29

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
65.8%
Good air days/yr
134
Max AQI recorded
179
PM2.5 days
184
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Milpitas, CA?

Milpitas has a cost index of 327 (100 = national average). It is 227% above the national average.

What is average rent in Milpitas, CA?

The median gross rent in Milpitas is $3,112 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Milpitas?

The median home value in Milpitas is $1,180,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Milpitas?

The median household income in Milpitas is $176,822 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Milpitas, CA?

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

Is Milpitas, CA affordable?

Milpitas is above average in cost of living, with an index of 327 — about 227% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Milpitas?

Milpitas has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 50.2°F. Annual precipitation is 13.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Milpitas at a Glance

Population
78,216
Median Income
$176,822
Home Value
$1,180,000
Median Rent
$3,112/mo
Unemployment
4.1%
Avg High Temp
71.2°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs