Cost of Living in San Carlos, CA
Population 29,797 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $2 million, the typical home in San Carlos costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Located 5 miles southeast of San Mateo, San Carlos falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than San Mateo's $1.6 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Carlos
The median home value in San Carlos is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,802/month, 113% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $233,333/year is 213% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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%. Overall, San Carlos has a cost of living index of 479 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 379% 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 San Carlos, CA?
San Carlos has a cost index of 479 (100 = national average). It is 379% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Carlos, CA?
The median gross rent in San Carlos is $2,802 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos is $233,333 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Carlos, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Carlos is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Carlos, CA affordable?
San Carlos is above average in cost of living, with an index of 479 — about 379% higher than the national average.
San Carlos at a Glance
- Population
- 29,797
- Median Income
- $233,333
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $2,802/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data