Cost of Living in Moss Beach, CA

Population 3,016 · California · Data vintage 2023

365
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Moss Beach run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $128,333 place the city among the better-paid California metros. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Moss Beach sits roughly 11 miles west of San Mateo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than San Mateo's $1.6 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 365

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

About the Cost of Living in Moss Beach

The median home value in Moss Beach is $1,112,900 — 265% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $128,333/year is 72% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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, Moss Beach has a cost of living index of 365 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 265% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,112,900
265% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$322,317
Zillow ZHVI
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 96.6%
Renter-occupied 3.4%

🛒 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
32.0 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.9%
Carpooled
11.8%
Public transit
6.5%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
5.7%
Work from home
18.3%

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
$128,333
72% above avg
Per Capita Income
$53,880
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
Labor Force Participation
60.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.6%
Graduate degree 20.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 48.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
97.8%
Good air days/yr
71
Max AQI recorded
16
PM2.5 days
295
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Moss Beach, CA?

Moss Beach has a cost index of 365 (100 = national average). It is 265% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Moss Beach?

The median home value in Moss Beach is $1,112,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Moss Beach?

The median household income in Moss Beach is $128,333 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Moss Beach, CA?

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

Is Moss Beach, CA affordable?

Moss Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 365 — about 265% higher than the national average.