Cost of Living in Walnut Creek, CA
Population 69,790 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Walnut Creek's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 238% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $135,665 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Walnut Creek sits roughly 5 miles southwest of Concord — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than Concord's $756,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Walnut Creek
The median home value in Walnut Creek is $1,031,100 — 238% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,613/month, 99% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $135,665/year is 82% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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, Walnut Creek has a cost of living index of 282 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 182% 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 Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek has a cost index of 282 (100 = national average). It is 182% above the national average.
What is average rent in Walnut Creek, CA?
The median gross rent in Walnut Creek is $2,613 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Walnut Creek?
The median home value in Walnut Creek is $1,031,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Walnut Creek?
The median household income in Walnut Creek is $135,665 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Walnut Creek, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Walnut Creek is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Walnut Creek, CA affordable?
Walnut Creek is above average in cost of living, with an index of 282 — about 182% higher than the national average.
Walnut Creek at a Glance
- Population
- 69,790
- Median Income
- $135,665
- Home Value
- $1,031,100
- Median Rent
- $2,613/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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