Fremont, CA

Very High · 278

California · Population 228,518 · Updated March 2026

$2,905
Median Rent / Month
$176,350
Median Income
$1,289,400
Median Home Value
$3,000
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Fremont

19.8%
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

$34,860
Annual Rent
$23,455
State Income Tax
$9,155
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Fremont has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 278 (where 100 equals the national median), Fremont residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,905/month while earning a median household income of $176,350/year.

The median home value in Fremont, CA is $1,289,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,000 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% 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 Fremont.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Fremont

What is the cost of living in Fremont, CA?
The cost of living index in Fremont, CA is 278 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,905, median household income is $176,350/year, and the median home value is $1,289,400.
Is Fremont, CA affordable?
No, Fremont is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 278. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Fremont, CA?
The median gross rent in Fremont, CA is $2,905 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $34,860.
What is the median household income in Fremont?
The median household income in Fremont, CA is $176,350 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%.

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