Cost of Living in Sierra Madre, CA
Population 11,020 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sierra Madre's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.2 million for a typical home, 284% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $141,094 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Sierra Madre sits roughly 5 miles east of Pasadena — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Pasadena's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sierra Madre
The median home value in Sierra Madre is $1,172,200 — 284% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,086/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,094/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, Sierra Madre has a cost of living index of 294 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 194% 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 Sierra Madre, CA?
Sierra Madre has a cost index of 294 (100 = national average). It is 194% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sierra Madre, CA?
The median gross rent in Sierra Madre is $2,086 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sierra Madre?
The median home value in Sierra Madre is $1,172,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sierra Madre?
The median household income in Sierra Madre is $141,094 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sierra Madre, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sierra Madre is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Sierra Madre, CA affordable?
Sierra Madre is above average in cost of living, with an index of 294 — about 194% higher than the national average.
Sierra Madre at a Glance
- Population
- 11,020
- Median Income
- $141,094
- Home Value
- $1,172,200
- Median Rent
- $2,086/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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