Mill Valley, CA

Very High · 382

California · Population 14,064 · Updated March 2026

$3,313
Median Rent / Month
$208,466
Median Income
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
$3,821
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Mill Valley

19.1%
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

$39,756
Annual Rent
$27,726
State Income Tax
$14,200
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Mill Valley has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 382 (where 100 equals the national median), Mill Valley residents can expect to pay median rent of $3,313/month while earning a median household income of $208,466/year.

The median home value in Mill Valley, CA is $2,000,001, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,821 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% 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 Mill Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Mill Valley

What is the cost of living in Mill Valley, CA?
The cost of living index in Mill Valley, CA is 382 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $3,313, median household income is $208,466/year, and the median home value is $2,000,001.
Is Mill Valley, CA affordable?
No, Mill Valley is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 382. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Mill Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Mill Valley, CA is $3,313 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $39,756.
What is the median household income in Mill Valley?
The median household income in Mill Valley, CA is $208,466 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%.