Cost of Living in Pacific Grove, CA
Population 15,003 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Pacific Grove sits 270% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $105,568 (42% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Geographically, Pacific Grove sits roughly 15 miles west of Salinas. Median home values run roughly 85% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pacific Grove
The median home value in Pacific Grove is $1,129,400 — 270% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,384/month, 81% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,568/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Pacific Grove has a cost of living index of 295 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 195% 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 Pacific Grove, CA?
Pacific Grove has a cost index of 295 (100 = national average). It is 195% above the national average.
What is average rent in Pacific Grove, CA?
The median gross rent in Pacific Grove is $2,384 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pacific Grove?
The median home value in Pacific Grove is $1,129,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pacific Grove?
The median household income in Pacific Grove is $105,568 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pacific Grove, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pacific Grove is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Pacific Grove, CA affordable?
Pacific Grove is above average in cost of living, with an index of 295 — about 195% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Pacific Grove?
Pacific Grove 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.
Pacific Grove at a Glance
- Population
- 15,003
- Median Income
- $105,568
- Home Value
- $1,129,400
- Median Rent
- $2,384/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs