Cost of Living in Monterey, CA
Population 29,772 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Monterey run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $104,110 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Monterey sits roughly 15 miles west of Salinas. Median home values run roughly 64% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Monterey
The median home value in Monterey is $1,003,300 — 229% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,288/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,110/year is 40% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 65.8°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Monterey has a cost of living index of 267 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 167% 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 | 62 | 62 | 63 | 63 | 65 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 62 |
| Low °F | 43 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 43 |
| Precip" | 3.49 | 3.03 | 2.80 | 1.03 | 0.51 | 0.13 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.07 | 0.86 | 1.45 | 2.83 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Monterey, CA?
Monterey has a cost index of 267 (100 = national average). It is 167% above the national average.
What is average rent in Monterey, CA?
The median gross rent in Monterey is $2,288 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Monterey?
The median home value in Monterey is $1,003,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Monterey?
The median household income in Monterey is $104,110 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Monterey, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Monterey is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Monterey, CA affordable?
Monterey is above average in cost of living, with an index of 267 — about 167% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Monterey?
Monterey has average high temperatures of 65.8°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 16.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Monterey at a Glance
- Population
- 29,772
- Median Income
- $104,110
- Home Value
- $1,003,300
- Median Rent
- $2,288/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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