Cost of Living in Monte Sereno, CA

Population 3,459 · California · Data vintage 2023

483
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Monte Sereno 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.

Monte Sereno sits roughly 9 miles south of Santa Clara — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 31% higher than Santa Clara's $1.5 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 224

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

About the Cost of Living in Monte Sereno

The median home value in Monte Sereno is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,947/month, 124% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% 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%. Overall, Monte Sereno has a cost of living index of 483 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 383% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$249,515
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,947/mo
124% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
56.6x
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 95.7%
Renter-occupied 4.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,947
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,561/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
27.1 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.6%
Carpooled
6.0%
Public transit
0.6%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
28.0%

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
$250,001
235% above avg
Per Capita Income
$176,402
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
10% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
Labor Force Participation
53.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.5%
Graduate degree 47.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55.1
Male median age 55.9
Female median age 54.6

💨 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 Monte Sereno, CA?

Monte Sereno has a cost index of 483 (100 = national average). It is 383% above the national average.

What is average rent in Monte Sereno, CA?

The median gross rent in Monte Sereno is $2,947 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monte Sereno?

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

What is the median income in Monte Sereno?

The median household income in Monte Sereno is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monte Sereno, CA?

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

Is Monte Sereno, CA affordable?

Monte Sereno is above average in cost of living, with an index of 483 — about 383% higher than the national average.