Isla Vista, CA

Very High · 223

California · Population 13,717 · Updated March 2026

$1,856
Median Rent / Month
$24,428
Median Income
$1,241,700
Median Home Value
$1,859
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Isla Vista

91.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Burdened
Rent takes more than 35% of median income — considered cost-burdened.

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

$22,272
Annual Rent
$3,249
State Income Tax
$8,816
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Isla Vista has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 223 (where 100 equals the national median), Isla Vista residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,856/month while earning a median household income of $24,428/year.

The median home value in Isla Vista, CA is $1,241,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,859 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The 91.2% rent-to-income ratio indicates significant housing cost burden. Residents spend well over a third of their income on rent alone.

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 Isla Vista.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Isla Vista

What is the cost of living in Isla Vista, CA?
The cost of living index in Isla Vista, CA is 223 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,856, median household income is $24,428/year, and the median home value is $1,241,700.
Is Isla Vista, CA affordable?
No, Isla Vista is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 223. The rent-to-income ratio is 91.2%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Isla Vista, CA?
The median gross rent in Isla Vista, CA is $1,856 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,272.
What is the median household income in Isla Vista?
The median household income in Isla Vista, CA is $24,428 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%.