Castro Valley, CA

Very High · 234

California · Population 65,389 · Updated March 2026

$2,499
Median Rent / Month
$138,069
Median Income
$1,058,200
Median Home Value
$2,621
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Castro Valley

21.7%
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

$29,988
Annual Rent
$18,363
State Income Tax
$7,513
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Castro Valley has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 234 (where 100 equals the national median), Castro Valley residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,499/month while earning a median household income of $138,069/year.

The median home value in Castro Valley, CA is $1,058,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,621 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% 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 Castro Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Castro Valley

What is the cost of living in Castro Valley, CA?
The cost of living index in Castro Valley, CA is 234 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,499, median household income is $138,069/year, and the median home value is $1,058,200.
Is Castro Valley, CA affordable?
No, Castro Valley is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 234. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Castro Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Castro Valley, CA is $2,499 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,988.
What is the median household income in Castro Valley?
The median household income in Castro Valley, CA is $138,069 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%.