Carpinteria, CA

Very High · 213

California · Population 13,100 · Updated March 2026

$2,341
Median Rent / Month
$104,233
Median Income
$965,200
Median Home Value
$2,287
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Carpinteria

27.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$28,092
Annual Rent
$13,863
State Income Tax
$6,853
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Carpinteria has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 213 (where 100 equals the national median), Carpinteria residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,341/month while earning a median household income of $104,233/year.

The median home value in Carpinteria, CA is $965,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,287 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%, Carpinteria falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Carpinteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Carpinteria

What is the cost of living in Carpinteria, CA?
The cost of living index in Carpinteria, CA is 213 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,341, median household income is $104,233/year, and the median home value is $965,200.
Is Carpinteria, CA affordable?
No, Carpinteria is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 213. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Carpinteria, CA?
The median gross rent in Carpinteria, CA is $2,341 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,092.
What is the median household income in Carpinteria?
The median household income in Carpinteria, CA is $104,233 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%.