Grass Valley, CA

Above Avg · 116

California · Population 14,126 · Updated March 2026

$1,417
Median Rent / Month
$48,850
Median Income
$458,400
Median Home Value
$1,424
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Grass Valley

34.8%
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

$17,004
Annual Rent
$6,497
State Income Tax
$3,255
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Grass Valley is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 116 (where 100 equals the national median), Grass Valley residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,417/month while earning a median household income of $48,850/year.

The median home value in Grass Valley, CA is $458,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,424 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 34.8% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Grass Valley are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

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 Grass Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Grass Valley

What is the cost of living in Grass Valley, CA?
The cost of living index in Grass Valley, CA is 116 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,417, median household income is $48,850/year, and the median home value is $458,400.
Is Grass Valley, CA affordable?
No, Grass Valley is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 116. The rent-to-income ratio is 34.8%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Grass Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Grass Valley, CA is $1,417 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,004.
What is the median household income in Grass Valley?
The median household income in Grass Valley, CA is $48,850 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%.