Cost of Living in Santa Clara, CA
Population 129,239 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Santa Clara's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.5 million sit roughly 5 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Clara
The median home value in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 — 401% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,985/month, 127% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $173,670/year is 133% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Santa Clara has a cost of living index of 391 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 291% 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 Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has a cost index of 391 (100 = national average). It is 291% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Clara, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Clara is $2,985 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Clara?
The median home value in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Clara?
The median household income in Santa Clara is $173,670 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Clara, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Clara is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Clara, CA affordable?
Santa Clara is above average in cost of living, with an index of 391 — about 291% higher than the national average.
Santa Clara at a Glance
- Population
- 129,239
- Median Income
- $173,670
- Home Value
- $1,527,900
- Median Rent
- $2,985/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data