Half Moon Bay, CA

Very High · 282

California · Population 11,454 · Updated March 2026

$2,299
Median Rent / Month
$153,199
Median Income
$1,467,000
Median Home Value
$3,111
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Half Moon Bay

18.0%
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

$27,588
Annual Rent
$20,375
State Income Tax
$10,416
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Half Moon Bay has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 282 (where 100 equals the national median), Half Moon Bay residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,299/month while earning a median household income of $153,199/year.

The median home value in Half Moon Bay, CA is $1,467,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,111 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% 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 Half Moon Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Half Moon Bay

What is the cost of living in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The cost of living index in Half Moon Bay, CA is 282 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,299, median household income is $153,199/year, and the median home value is $1,467,000.
Is Half Moon Bay, CA affordable?
No, Half Moon Bay is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 282. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Half Moon Bay, CA?
The median gross rent in Half Moon Bay, CA is $2,299 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,588.
What is the median household income in Half Moon Bay?
The median household income in Half Moon Bay, CA is $153,199 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%.