Cost of Living in Mountain View, CA
Population 82,363 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.9 million, the typical home in Mountain View costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Located <5 miles west of Sunnyvale, Mountain View falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Sunnyvale's $1.8 million median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mountain View
The median home value in Mountain View is $1,927,400 — 532% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,975/month, 126% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $179,917/year is 141% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Mountain View has a cost of living index of 470 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 370% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mountain View, CA?
Mountain View has a cost index of 470 (100 = national average). It is 370% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mountain View, CA?
The median gross rent in Mountain View is $2,975 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mountain View?
The median home value in Mountain View is $1,927,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mountain View?
The median household income in Mountain View is $179,917 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mountain View, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mountain View is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Mountain View, CA affordable?
Mountain View is above average in cost of living, with an index of 470 — about 370% higher than the national average.
Mountain View at a Glance
- Population
- 82,363
- Median Income
- $179,917
- Home Value
- $1,927,400
- Median Rent
- $2,975/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data