Cost of Living in Orinda, CA
Population 19,472 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.8 million, the typical home in Orinda costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Orinda sits roughly 7 miles east of Berkeley — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Berkeley's $1.4 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Orinda
The median home value in Orinda is $1,804,400 — 492% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,407/month, 83% 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 3.0%, 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, Orinda has a cost of living index of 428 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 328% 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 Orinda, CA?
Orinda has a cost index of 428 (100 = national average). It is 328% above the national average.
What is average rent in Orinda, CA?
The median gross rent in Orinda is $2,407 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Orinda?
The median home value in Orinda is $1,804,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Orinda?
The median household income in Orinda is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Orinda, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orinda is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Orinda, CA affordable?
Orinda is above average in cost of living, with an index of 428 — about 328% higher than the national average.
Orinda at a Glance
- Population
- 19,472
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,804,400
- Median Rent
- $2,407/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data