Cost of Living in Rio del Mar, CA
Population 8,938 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.2 million, the typical home in Rio del Mar costs about 4× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Rio del Mar sits roughly 25 miles northwest of Salinas — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 103% higher than Salinas' $611,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rio del Mar
The median home value in Rio del Mar is $1,242,600 — 307% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,172/month, 141% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $150,313/year is 102% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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, Rio del Mar has a cost of living index of 341 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 241% more expensive.
Rio del Mar has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Rio del Mar, CA?
Rio del Mar has a cost index of 341 (100 = national average). It is 241% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rio del Mar, CA?
The median gross rent in Rio del Mar is $3,172 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rio del Mar?
The median home value in Rio del Mar is $1,242,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Rio del Mar?
The median household income in Rio del Mar is $150,313 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rio del Mar, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rio del Mar is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Rio del Mar, CA affordable?
Rio del Mar is above average in cost of living, with an index of 341 — about 241% higher than the national average.
Rio del Mar at a Glance
- Population
- 8,938
- Median Income
- $150,313
- Home Value
- $1,242,600
- Median Rent
- $3,172/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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