Cost of Living in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Population 21,319 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$630,000 is the going rate for a typical South Lake Tahoe home, 107% over the national median. Rents of $1,467/month track the same premium.
South Lake Tahoe is about 45 miles south of Reno, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% higher than Reno's $499,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Lake Tahoe
The median home value in South Lake Tahoe is $630,200 — 107% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,467/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,940/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.2°F and lows of 29.1°F. Overall, South Lake Tahoe has a cost of living index of 169 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 69% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 62 | 72 | 80 | 80 | 73 | 62 | 51 | 43 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 38 | 43 | 41 | 35 | 29 | 23 | 18 |
| Precip" | 2.81 | 3.75 | 2.87 | 1.27 | 1.32 | 0.55 | 0.39 | 0.36 | 0.28 | 1.43 | 1.94 | 3.49 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
South Lake Tahoe has a cost index of 169 (100 = national average). It is 69% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The median gross rent in South Lake Tahoe is $1,467 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Lake Tahoe?
The median home value in South Lake Tahoe is $630,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Lake Tahoe?
The median household income in South Lake Tahoe is $73,940 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Lake Tahoe is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is South Lake Tahoe, CA affordable?
South Lake Tahoe is above average in cost of living, with an index of 169 — about 69% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in South Lake Tahoe?
South Lake Tahoe has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 29.1°F. Annual precipitation is 20.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Lake Tahoe at a Glance
- Population
- 21,319
- Median Income
- $73,940
- Home Value
- $630,200
- Median Rent
- $1,467/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.2°F
- 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