Davis, CA

Very High · 186

California · Population 66,801 · Updated March 2026

$2,043
Median Rent / Month
$87,421
Median Income
$829,000
Median Home Value
$2,064
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Davis

28.0%
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

$24,516
Annual Rent
$11,627
State Income Tax
$5,886
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Davis has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 186 (where 100 equals the national median), Davis residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,043/month while earning a median household income of $87,421/year.

The median home value in Davis, CA is $829,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,064 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%, Davis 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 Davis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Davis

What is the cost of living in Davis, CA?
The cost of living index in Davis, CA is 186 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,043, median household income is $87,421/year, and the median home value is $829,000.
Is Davis, CA affordable?
No, Davis is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 186. The rent-to-income ratio is 28.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Davis, CA?
The median gross rent in Davis, CA is $2,043 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $24,516.
What is the median household income in Davis?
The median household income in Davis, CA is $87,421 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%.