Milpitas, CA

Very High · 274

California · Population 78,216 · Updated March 2026

$3,112
Median Rent / Month
$176,822
Median Income
$1,180,000
Median Home Value
$3,157
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Milpitas

21.1%
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

$37,344
Annual Rent
$23,517
State Income Tax
$8,378
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Milpitas has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 274 (where 100 equals the national median), Milpitas residents can expect to pay median rent of $3,112/month while earning a median household income of $176,822/year.

The median home value in Milpitas, CA is $1,180,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,157 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% 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 Milpitas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Milpitas

What is the cost of living in Milpitas, CA?
The cost of living index in Milpitas, CA is 274 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $3,112, median household income is $176,822/year, and the median home value is $1,180,000.
Is Milpitas, CA affordable?
No, Milpitas is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 274. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Milpitas, CA?
The median gross rent in Milpitas, CA is $3,112 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $37,344.
What is the median household income in Milpitas?
The median household income in Milpitas, CA is $176,822 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%.