East Palo Alto, CA

Very High · 229

California · Population 29,143 · Updated March 2026

$2,209
Median Rent / Month
$104,832
Median Income
$1,124,000
Median Home Value
$2,422
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in East Palo Alto

25.3%
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

$26,508
Annual Rent
$13,943
State Income Tax
$7,980
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

East Palo Alto has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 229 (where 100 equals the national median), East Palo Alto residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,209/month while earning a median household income of $104,832/year.

The median home value in East Palo Alto, CA is $1,124,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,422 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.3%, East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in East Palo Alto

What is the cost of living in East Palo Alto, CA?
The cost of living index in East Palo Alto, CA is 229 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,209, median household income is $104,832/year, and the median home value is $1,124,000.
Is East Palo Alto, CA affordable?
No, East Palo Alto is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 229. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in East Palo Alto, CA?
The median gross rent in East Palo Alto, CA is $2,209 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,508.
What is the median household income in East Palo Alto?
The median household income in East Palo Alto, CA is $104,832 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%.