Cost of Living in Sausalito, CA
Population 7,171 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.9 million, the typical home in Sausalito costs about 6× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Sausalito sits roughly 10 miles southwest of Richmond — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 186% higher than Richmond's $650,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sausalito
The median home value in Sausalito is $1,858,900 — 509% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,408/month, 159% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $173,030/year is 132% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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 64.1°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Sausalito has a cost of living index of 469 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 369% more expensive.
Sausalito has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 60 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 67 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 53 | 54 | 56 | 56 | 54 | 51 | 47 |
| Precip" | 4.40 | 4.37 | 3.15 | 1.60 | 0.70 | 0.20 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.94 | 2.60 | 4.76 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sausalito, CA?
Sausalito has a cost index of 469 (100 = national average). It is 369% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sausalito, CA?
The median gross rent in Sausalito is $3,408 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sausalito?
The median home value in Sausalito is $1,858,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sausalito?
The median household income in Sausalito is $173,030 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sausalito, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sausalito is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Sausalito, CA affordable?
Sausalito is above average in cost of living, with an index of 469 — about 369% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Sausalito?
Sausalito has average high temperatures of 64.1°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 22.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sausalito at a Glance
- Population
- 7,171
- Median Income
- $173,030
- Home Value
- $1,858,900
- Median Rent
- $3,408/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data