Cost of Living in Prunedale, CA
Population 19,286 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Prunedale sits 149% above the national median — $760,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $106,442 (43% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Prunedale sits roughly 8 miles north of Salinas. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Prunedale
The median home value in Prunedale is $760,200 — 149% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,711/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,442/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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%. Overall, Prunedale has a cost of living index of 202 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 102% 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 Prunedale, CA?
Prunedale has a cost index of 202 (100 = national average). It is 102% above the national average.
What is average rent in Prunedale, CA?
The median gross rent in Prunedale is $1,711 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Prunedale?
The median home value in Prunedale is $760,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Prunedale?
The median household income in Prunedale is $106,442 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Prunedale, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Prunedale is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Prunedale, CA affordable?
Prunedale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 202 — about 102% higher than the national average.
Prunedale at a Glance
- Population
- 19,286
- Median Income
- $106,442
- Home Value
- $760,200
- Median Rent
- $1,711/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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