Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA
Population 59,321 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Petaluma's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $835,000 for a typical home, 174% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $109,823 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 15 miles south of Santa Rosa, Petaluma falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Santa Rosa's $685,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Petaluma
The median home value in Petaluma is $834,900 — 174% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,379/month, 81% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,823/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Petaluma has a cost of living index of 237 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 137% 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 Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma has a cost index of 237 (100 = national average). It is 137% above the national average.
What is average rent in Petaluma, CA?
The median gross rent in Petaluma is $2,379 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Petaluma?
The median home value in Petaluma is $834,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Petaluma?
The median household income in Petaluma is $109,823 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Petaluma, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Petaluma is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Petaluma, CA affordable?
Petaluma is above average in cost of living, with an index of 237 — about 137% higher than the national average.
Petaluma at a Glance
- Population
- 59,321
- Median Income
- $109,823
- Home Value
- $834,900
- Median Rent
- $2,379/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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