Cost of Living in San Pablo, CA
Population 31,771 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of San Pablo is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, San Pablo is part of the immediate Richmond metro area. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Richmond's $650,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Pablo
The median home value in San Pablo is $516,000 — 69% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,890/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,215/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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 Pablo has a cost of living index of 159 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% 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 Pablo, CA?
San Pablo has a cost index of 159 (100 = national average). It is 59% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Pablo, CA?
The median gross rent in San Pablo is $1,890 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Pablo?
The median home value in San Pablo is $516,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Pablo?
The median household income in San Pablo is $78,215 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Pablo, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Pablo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Pablo, CA affordable?
San Pablo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 159 — about 59% higher than the national average.
San Pablo at a Glance
- Population
- 31,771
- Median Income
- $78,215
- Home Value
- $516,000
- Median Rent
- $1,890/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
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California Rankings
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