Cost of Living in Sonoma, CA
Population 10,726 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Sonoma sits 213% above the national median — $954,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $101,281 (36% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Sonoma sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Vallejo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 71% higher than Vallejo's $558,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sonoma
The median home value in Sonoma is $954,300 — 213% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,216/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,281/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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, Sonoma has a cost of living index of 255 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 155% 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 Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma has a cost index of 255 (100 = national average). It is 155% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sonoma, CA?
The median gross rent in Sonoma is $2,216 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sonoma?
The median home value in Sonoma is $954,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sonoma?
The median household income in Sonoma is $101,281 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sonoma, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sonoma is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Sonoma, CA affordable?
Sonoma is above average in cost of living, with an index of 255 — about 155% higher than the national average.
Sonoma at a Glance
- Population
- 10,726
- Median Income
- $101,281
- Home Value
- $954,300
- Median Rent
- $2,216/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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