Cost of Living in Piedmont, CA

Population 11,012 · California · Data vintage 2023

500

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $2 million, the typical home in Piedmont costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Located <5 miles north of Oakland, Piedmont falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 116% higher than Oakland's $925,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 656

Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Piedmont

The median home value in Piedmont is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% 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 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%. Overall, Piedmont has a cost of living index of 500 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 400% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$2,000,001

556% above avg

Zillow Home Value

$2,327,132

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$3,501/mo

166% above avg

Price-to-Rent Ratio

47.6x

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 90.0%

Renter-occupied 9.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$3,501

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $4,115/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

33.3 min

23% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

35.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

44.2%

Carpooled

8.2%

Public transit

10.0%

Walked

1.5%

Bicycle

0.3%

Work from home

35.1%

⚡ 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

$250,001

235% above avg

Per Capita Income

$143,485

Unemployment Rate

4.0%

18% below avg

Poverty Rate

3.8%

Labor Force Participation

63.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.9%

Graduate degree 51.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.5

Male median age 42.5

Female median age 45.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good

54%

Good air days/yr

130

Max AQI recorded

219

PM2.5 days

129

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Piedmont, CA?

Piedmont has a cost index of 500 (100 = national average). It is 400% above the national average.

What is average rent in Piedmont, CA?

The median gross rent in Piedmont is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Piedmont?

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

What is the median income in Piedmont?

The median household income in Piedmont is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Piedmont, CA?

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

Is Piedmont, CA affordable?

Piedmont is above average in cost of living, with an index of 500 — about 400% higher than the national average.

Piedmont at a Glance

Population: 11,012
Median Income: $250,001
Home Value: $2,000,001
Median Rent: $3,501/mo
Unemployment: 4.0%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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Explore county-level cost of living data