Cost of Living in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA

Population 4,895 · California · Data vintage 2023

256
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is priced well above national norms — a median of $958,000, roughly 214% above the US figure — typical of the coastal premium that California.

Located 25 miles southwest of San Jose, Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than San Jose's $1.2 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 314
Rent 169

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

About the Cost of Living in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County)

The median home value in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is $958,300 — 214% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,221/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,288/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) has a cost of living index of 256 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 156% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$958,300
214% above avg
Median Rent
$2,221/mo
69% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
36.0x
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 40.8%
Renter-occupied 59.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,221
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,835/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
23.2 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.6%
Carpooled
3.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
3.3%
Bicycle
6.5%
Work from home
12.5%

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
$81,288
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$61,328
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
Labor Force Participation
68.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.4%
Graduate degree 20.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.5
Male median age 40.5
Female median age 42.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 36 — Good
82.2%
Good air days/yr
130
Max AQI recorded
189
PM2.5 days
176
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA?

Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) has a cost index of 256 (100 = national average). It is 156% above the national average.

What is average rent in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA?

The median gross rent in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is $2,221 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County)?

The median home value in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is $958,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County)?

The median household income in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is $81,288 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA affordable?

Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is above average in cost of living, with an index of 256 — about 156% higher than the national average.

Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) at a Glance

Population
4,895
Median Income
$81,288
Home Value
$958,300
Median Rent
$2,221/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs