Orinda, CA

Very High · 338

California · Population 19,472 · Updated March 2026

$2,407
Median Rent / Month
$250,001
Median Income
$1,804,400
Median Home Value
$4,001
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Orinda

11.6%
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

$28,884
Annual Rent
$33,250
State Income Tax
$12,811
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Orinda has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 338 (where 100 equals the national median), Orinda residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,407/month while earning a median household income of $250,001/year.

The median home value in Orinda, CA is $1,804,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $4,001 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 11.6% 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 Orinda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Orinda

What is the cost of living in Orinda, CA?
The cost of living index in Orinda, CA is 338 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,407, median household income is $250,001/year, and the median home value is $1,804,400.
Is Orinda, CA affordable?
No, Orinda is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 338. The rent-to-income ratio is 11.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Orinda, CA?
The median gross rent in Orinda, CA is $2,407 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,884.
What is the median household income in Orinda?
The median household income in Orinda, CA is $250,001 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%.