El Cerrito, CA

Very High · 237

California · Population 25,781 · Updated March 2026

$2,444
Median Rent / Month
$127,475
Median Income
$1,107,500
Median Home Value
$2,573
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in El Cerrito

23.0%
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

$29,328
Annual Rent
$16,954
State Income Tax
$7,863
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

El Cerrito has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 237 (where 100 equals the national median), El Cerrito residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,444/month while earning a median household income of $127,475/year.

The median home value in El Cerrito, CA is $1,107,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,573 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% 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 El Cerrito.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in El Cerrito

What is the cost of living in El Cerrito, CA?
The cost of living index in El Cerrito, CA is 237 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,444, median household income is $127,475/year, and the median home value is $1,107,500.
Is El Cerrito, CA affordable?
No, El Cerrito is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 237. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in El Cerrito, CA?
The median gross rent in El Cerrito, CA is $2,444 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,328.
What is the median household income in El Cerrito?
The median household income in El Cerrito, CA is $127,475 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%.