Cost of Living in San Anselmo, CA

Population 12,711 · California · Data vintage 2023

384
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 San Anselmo costs about 5× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

San Anselmo sits roughly 12 miles west of Richmond — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 134% higher than Richmond's $650,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 500
Rent 209

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

About the Cost of Living in San Anselmo

The median home value in San Anselmo is $1,524,300 — 400% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,750/month, 109% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $170,457/year is 129% 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, San Anselmo has a cost of living index of 384 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 284% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,524,300
400% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,600,573
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,750/mo
109% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,872/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
46.2x
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 67.9%
Renter-occupied 32.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,750
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,364/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
31.8 min
18% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.9%
Carpooled
2.9%
Public transit
4.8%
Walked
4.6%
Bicycle
1.6%
Work from home
29.2%

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
$170,457
129% above avg
Per Capita Income
$98,602
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
11% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
Labor Force Participation
70.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.6%
Graduate degree 29.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 44.7
Female median age 46.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 34 — Good
86.8%
Good air days/yr
99
Max AQI recorded
147
PM2.5 days
212
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in San Anselmo, CA?

San Anselmo has a cost index of 384 (100 = national average). It is 284% above the national average.

What is average rent in San Anselmo, CA?

The median gross rent in San Anselmo is $2,750 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in San Anselmo?

The median home value in San Anselmo is $1,524,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in San Anselmo?

The median household income in San Anselmo is $170,457 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in San Anselmo, CA?

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

Is San Anselmo, CA affordable?

San Anselmo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 384 — about 284% higher than the national average.

San Anselmo at a Glance

Population
12,711
Median Income
$170,457
Home Value
$1,524,300
Median Rent
$2,750/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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