Cost of Living in Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Population 13,047 · California · Data vintage 2023

495
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Palos Verdes Estates's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $2 million sit roughly 7 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.

Located 6 miles southwest of Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 93% higher than Torrance's $1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 254

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

About the Cost of Living in Palos Verdes Estates

The median home value in Palos Verdes Estates is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,331/month, 154% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $247,500/year is 232% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 71.9°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Palos Verdes Estates has a cost of living index of 495 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 395% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$2,698,390
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,331/mo
154% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
50.0x
Favors renting
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 90.2%
Renter-occupied 9.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,331
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,945/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 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
34.8 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.7%
Carpooled
1.5%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
24.8%

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
$247,500
232% above avg
Per Capita Income
$142,117
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
17% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Labor Force Participation
53.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.1%
Graduate degree 39.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 52.9
Male median age 52.7
Female median age 53.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.9°F
Avg Low
54.1°F
Annual Precip
13.6"
Annual Snowfall
0"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 676668707274777878767166
Low °F 474850525559626261575146
Precip" 3.363.661.980.630.260.070.060.000.090.490.802.24

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 67 — Moderate
11.2%
Good air days/yr
210
Max AQI recorded
203
PM2.5 days
150
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Palos Verdes Estates, CA?

Palos Verdes Estates has a cost index of 495 (100 = national average). It is 395% above the national average.

What is average rent in Palos Verdes Estates, CA?

The median gross rent in Palos Verdes Estates is $3,331 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Palos Verdes Estates?

The median home value in Palos Verdes Estates is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Palos Verdes Estates?

The median household income in Palos Verdes Estates is $247,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Palos Verdes Estates, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palos Verdes Estates is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Palos Verdes Estates, CA affordable?

Palos Verdes Estates is above average in cost of living, with an index of 495 — about 395% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Palos Verdes Estates?

Palos Verdes Estates has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Palos Verdes Estates at a Glance

Population
13,047
Median Income
$247,500
Home Value
$2,000,001
Median Rent
$3,331/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
71.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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