Cost of Living in Scotts Valley, CA
Population 12,138 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Scotts Valley's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 258% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $140,887 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 20 miles southwest of San Jose, Scotts Valley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than San Jose's $1.2 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Scotts Valley
The median home value in Scotts Valley is $1,092,000 — 258% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,362/month, 80% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,887/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Scotts Valley has a cost of living index of 287 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 187% 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 Scotts Valley, CA?
Scotts Valley has a cost index of 287 (100 = national average). It is 187% above the national average.
What is average rent in Scotts Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Scotts Valley is $2,362 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Scotts Valley?
The median home value in Scotts Valley is $1,092,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Scotts Valley?
The median household income in Scotts Valley is $140,887 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Scotts Valley, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Scotts Valley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Scotts Valley, CA affordable?
Scotts Valley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 287 — about 187% higher than the national average.
Scotts Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 12,138
- Median Income
- $140,887
- Home Value
- $1,092,000
- Median Rent
- $2,362/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs