Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, CA
Population 60,953 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Santa Cruz run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.2 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $111,427 place the city among the better-paid California metros. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Santa Cruz is about 25 miles southwest of San Jose, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with San Jose's $1.2 million median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Cruz
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,180,100 — 287% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,302/month, 75% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,427/year is 49% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Santa Cruz has a cost of living index of 302 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 202% 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 Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz has a cost index of 302 (100 = national average). It is 202% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Cruz is $2,302 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Cruz?
The median home value in Santa Cruz is $1,180,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz is $111,427 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Cruz, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Cruz is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Cruz, CA affordable?
Santa Cruz is above average in cost of living, with an index of 302 — about 202% higher than the national average.
Santa Cruz at a Glance
- Population
- 60,953
- Median Income
- $111,427
- Home Value
- $1,180,100
- Median Rent
- $2,302/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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