Pacific Grove, CA

Very High · 234

California · Population 15,003 · Updated March 2026

$2,384
Median Rent / Month
$105,568
Median Income
$1,129,400
Median Home Value
$2,373
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Pacific Grove

27.1%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$28,608
Annual Rent
$14,041
State Income Tax
$8,019
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Pacific Grove has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 234 (where 100 equals the national median), Pacific Grove residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,384/month while earning a median household income of $105,568/year.

The median home value in Pacific Grove, CA is $1,129,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,373 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.1%, Pacific Grove falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Pacific Grove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Pacific Grove

What is the cost of living in Pacific Grove, CA?
The cost of living index in Pacific Grove, CA is 234 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,384, median household income is $105,568/year, and the median home value is $1,129,400.
Is Pacific Grove, CA affordable?
No, Pacific Grove is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 234. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Pacific Grove, CA?
The median gross rent in Pacific Grove, CA is $2,384 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,608.
What is the median household income in Pacific Grove?
The median household income in Pacific Grove, CA is $105,568 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%.