Cost of Living in San Leandro, CA

Population 88,531 · California · Data vintage 2023

224
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in San Leandro run well above the national baseline, with a median of $814,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $98,063 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Geographically, San Leandro sits roughly 6 miles southeast of Oakland. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Oakland's $925,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 267
Rent 161

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

About the Cost of Living in San Leandro

The median home value in San Leandro is $813,600 — 167% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,115/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,063/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 66.5°F and lows of 49.7°F. Overall, San Leandro has a cost of living index of 224 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 124% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$813,600
167% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$804,944
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,115/mo
61% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,469/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.1x
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 58.3%
Renter-occupied 41.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,115
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,729/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
35.6 min
32% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.8%
Carpooled
11.6%
Public transit
10.4%
Walked
1.5%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
12.8%

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
$98,063
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,387
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
17% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
65.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.3%
Graduate degree 10.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.5
Male median age 40.9
Female median age 42.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.5°F
Avg Low
49.7°F
Annual Precip
18.7"
40° 50° 60° 70° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586063666871727274726458
Low °F 424547495254565756514642
Precip" 3.423.512.711.350.630.180.000.040.100.882.023.84

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
54%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
219
PM2.5 days
129
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Leandro has a cost index of 224 (100 = national average). It is 124% above the national average.

What is average rent in San Leandro, CA?

The median gross rent in San Leandro is $2,115 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in San Leandro?

The median home value in San Leandro is $813,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in San Leandro?

The median household income in San Leandro is $98,063 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in San Leandro, CA?

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

Is San Leandro, CA affordable?

San Leandro is above average in cost of living, with an index of 224 — about 124% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in San Leandro?

San Leandro has average high temperatures of 66.5°F and average lows of 49.7°F. Annual precipitation is 18.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

San Leandro at a Glance

Population
88,531
Median Income
$98,063
Home Value
$813,600
Median Rent
$2,115/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
66.5°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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