Cost of Living in Truckee, CA

Population 16,942 · California · Data vintage 2023

237
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Truckee run well above the national baseline, with a median of $884,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $125,995 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Located 25 miles southwest of Reno, Truckee falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 77% higher than Reno's $499,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 290
Rent 159

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Truckee

The median home value in Truckee is $884,000 — 190% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,089/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $125,995/year is 69% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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, Truckee has a cost of living index of 237 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 137% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$884,000
190% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$993,989
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,089/mo
59% above avg
Zillow Rent
$4,904/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 77.8%
Renter-occupied 22.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,089
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,703/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.7%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
2.7%
Bicycle
3.0%
Work from home
28.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$125,995
69% above avg
Per Capita Income
$73,455
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
19% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
68.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.2%
Graduate degree 20.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 44
Female median age 39.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
77.7%
Good air days/yr
97
Max AQI recorded
257
PM2.5 days
106
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Truckee, CA?

Truckee has a cost index of 237 (100 = national average). It is 137% above the national average.

What is average rent in Truckee, CA?

The median gross rent in Truckee is $2,089 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Truckee?

The median home value in Truckee is $884,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Truckee?

The median household income in Truckee is $125,995 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Truckee, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Truckee is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Truckee, CA affordable?

Truckee is above average in cost of living, with an index of 237 — about 137% higher than the national average.