Cost of Living in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Population 41,259 · California · Data vintage 2023

410
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $1.5 million, the typical home in Rancho Palos Verdes costs about 5× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Rancho Palos Verdes sits roughly 6 miles south of Torrance — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 49% higher than Torrance's $1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 505
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Rancho Palos Verdes

The median home value in Rancho Palos Verdes is $1,541,400 — 405% 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 $175,307/year is 135% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Rancho Palos Verdes has a cost of living index of 410 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 310% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,541,400
405% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,783,584
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Zillow Rent
$4,943/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
36.7x
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 80.5%
Renter-occupied 19.4%

💰 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
37.0 min
37% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.8%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
1.5%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
23.9%

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
$175,307
135% above avg
Per Capita Income
$86,568
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
56.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.6%
Graduate degree 33.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.7
Male median age 48.7
Female median age 50.4

💨 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 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA?

Rancho Palos Verdes has a cost index of 410 (100 = national average). It is 310% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA?

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

What is the average home price in Rancho Palos Verdes?

The median home value in Rancho Palos Verdes is $1,541,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rancho Palos Verdes?

The median household income in Rancho Palos Verdes is $175,307 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

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

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

Is Rancho Palos Verdes, CA affordable?

Rancho Palos Verdes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 410 — about 310% higher than the national average.

Rancho Palos Verdes at a Glance

Population
41,259
Median Income
$175,307
Home Value
$1,541,400
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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