Cost of Living in Topanga, CA
Population 8,781 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Topanga's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.6 million sit roughly 5 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 12 miles west of Los Angeles, Topanga falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 87% higher than Los Angeles' $880,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Topanga
The median home value in Topanga is $1,643,000 — 439% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $142,553/year is 91% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 78.9°F and lows of 54.3°F. Overall, Topanga has a cost of living index of 430 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 330% more expensive.
Topanga 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 68 | 68 | 72 | 75 | 79 | 84 | 91 | 93 | 90 | 83 | 75 | 67 |
| Low °F | 46 | 46 | 49 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 65 | 63 | 57 | 49 | 45 |
| Precip" | 2.75 | 3.79 | 2.50 | 0.71 | 0.29 | 0.07 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.48 | 0.75 | 1.95 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Topanga, CA?
Topanga has a cost index of 430 (100 = national average). It is 330% above the national average.
What is average rent in Topanga, CA?
The median gross rent in Topanga is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Topanga?
The median home value in Topanga is $1,643,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Topanga?
The median household income in Topanga is $142,553 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Topanga, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Topanga is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Topanga, CA affordable?
Topanga is above average in cost of living, with an index of 430 — about 330% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Topanga?
Topanga has average high temperatures of 78.9°F and average lows of 54.3°F. Annual precipitation is 13.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Topanga at a Glance
- Population
- 8,781
- Median Income
- $142,553
- Home Value
- $1,643,000
- Median Rent
- $3,501/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data