Mountain View, CA

Very High · 351

California · Population 82,363 · Updated March 2026

$2,975
Median Rent / Month
$179,917
Median Income
$1,927,400
Median Home Value
$3,071
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Mountain View

19.8%
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

$35,700
Annual Rent
$23,929
State Income Tax
$13,685
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Mountain View has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 351 (where 100 equals the national median), Mountain View residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,975/month while earning a median household income of $179,917/year.

The median home value in Mountain View, CA is $1,927,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,071 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% 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 Mountain View.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Mountain View

What is the cost of living in Mountain View, CA?
The cost of living index in Mountain View, CA is 351 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,975, median household income is $179,917/year, and the median home value is $1,927,400.
Is Mountain View, CA affordable?
No, Mountain View is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 351. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Mountain View, CA?
The median gross rent in Mountain View, CA is $2,975 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $35,700.
What is the median household income in Mountain View?
The median household income in Mountain View, CA is $179,917 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%.