Cost of Living in Solvang, CA
Population 6,034 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Solvang sits 207% above the national median — $937,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $118,208 (58% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Solvang is about 30 miles southeast of Santa Maria, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 96% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Solvang
The median home value in Solvang is $936,900 — 207% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,773/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,208/year is 58% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, 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, Solvang has a cost of living index of 238 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 138% more expensive.
Solvang 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Solvang, CA?
Solvang has a cost index of 238 (100 = national average). It is 138% above the national average.
What is average rent in Solvang, CA?
The median gross rent in Solvang is $1,773 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Solvang?
The median home value in Solvang is $936,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Solvang?
The median household income in Solvang is $118,208 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Solvang, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Solvang is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Solvang, CA affordable?
Solvang is above average in cost of living, with an index of 238 — about 138% higher than the national average.
Solvang at a Glance
- Population
- 6,034
- Median Income
- $118,208
- Home Value
- $936,900
- Median Rent
- $1,773/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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Cities in other states with comparable housing costs