Benicia, CA

Very High · 191

California · Population 26,861 · Updated March 2026

$2,234
Median Rent / Month
$125,040
Median Income
$778,600
Median Home Value
$2,359
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Benicia

21.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$26,808
Annual Rent
$16,630
State Income Tax
$5,528
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Benicia has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 191 (where 100 equals the national median), Benicia residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,234/month while earning a median household income of $125,040/year.

The median home value in Benicia, CA is $778,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,359 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Benicia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Benicia

What is the cost of living in Benicia, CA?
The cost of living index in Benicia, CA is 191 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,234, median household income is $125,040/year, and the median home value is $778,600.
Is Benicia, CA affordable?
No, Benicia is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 191. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Benicia, CA?
The median gross rent in Benicia, CA is $2,234 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,808.
What is the median household income in Benicia?
The median household income in Benicia, CA is $125,040 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.