Cost of Living in Pleasant Hill, CA

Population 34,335 · California · Data vintage 2023

281
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Pleasant Hill sits 241% above the national median — $1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $144,513 (94% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Pleasant Hill is part of the immediate Concord metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Concord's $756,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 341
Rent 191

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

About the Cost of Living in Pleasant Hill

The median home value in Pleasant Hill is $1,040,600 — 241% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,511/month, 91% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $144,513/year is 94% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 73.6°F and lows of 50.4°F. Overall, Pleasant Hill has a cost of living index of 281 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 181% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,040,600
241% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$977,660
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,511/mo
91% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,600/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
34.5x
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 63.9%
Renter-occupied 36.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,511
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,125/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
33.1 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.1%
Carpooled
11.3%
Public transit
5.6%
Walked
2.5%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
22.8%

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
$144,513
94% above avg
Per Capita Income
$68,493
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Labor Force Participation
67.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.1%
Graduate degree 22.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.5
Male median age 40
Female median age 44.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.6°F
Avg Low
50.4°F
Annual Precip
16.1"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586267717884888885786658
Low °F 414447495357595958534541
Precip" 3.213.192.261.120.510.160.000.020.060.731.613.18

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
47.4%
Good air days/yr
110
Max AQI recorded
270
PM2.5 days
94
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pleasant Hill, CA?

Pleasant Hill has a cost index of 281 (100 = national average). It is 181% above the national average.

What is average rent in Pleasant Hill, CA?

The median gross rent in Pleasant Hill is $2,511 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pleasant Hill?

The median home value in Pleasant Hill is $1,040,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pleasant Hill?

The median household income in Pleasant Hill is $144,513 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pleasant Hill, CA?

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

Is Pleasant Hill, CA affordable?

Pleasant Hill is above average in cost of living, with an index of 281 — about 181% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Pleasant Hill?

Pleasant Hill has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 16.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Pleasant Hill at a Glance

Population
34,335
Median Income
$144,513
Home Value
$1,040,600
Median Rent
$2,511/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Avg High Temp
73.6°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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