Cost of Living in Soquel, CA
Population 10,691 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Soquel run well above the national baseline, with a median of $909,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $114,991 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Soquel sits roughly 20 miles southwest of San Jose — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% 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 Soquel
The median home value in Soquel is $908,500 — 198% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,293/month, 75% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,991/year is 54% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Soquel has a cost of living index of 249 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 149% 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 Soquel, CA?
Soquel has a cost index of 249 (100 = national average). It is 149% above the national average.
What is average rent in Soquel, CA?
The median gross rent in Soquel is $2,293 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Soquel?
The median home value in Soquel is $908,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Soquel?
The median household income in Soquel is $114,991 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Soquel, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Soquel is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Soquel, CA affordable?
Soquel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 249 — about 149% higher than the national average.
Soquel at a Glance
- Population
- 10,691
- Median Income
- $114,991
- Home Value
- $908,500
- Median Rent
- $2,293/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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