Pacifica, CA

Very High · 274

California · Population 37,527 · Updated March 2026

$3,080
Median Rent / Month
$156,819
Median Income
$1,211,700
Median Home Value
$2,998
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Pacifica

23.6%
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

$36,960
Annual Rent
$20,857
State Income Tax
$8,603
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Pacifica 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), Pacifica residents can expect to pay median rent of $3,080/month while earning a median household income of $156,819/year.

The median home value in Pacifica, CA is $1,211,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,998 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% 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 Pacifica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Pacifica

What is the cost of living in Pacifica, CA?
The cost of living index in Pacifica, CA is 274 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $3,080, median household income is $156,819/year, and the median home value is $1,211,700.
Is Pacifica, CA affordable?
No, Pacifica is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 274. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Pacifica, CA?
The median gross rent in Pacifica, CA is $3,080 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $36,960.
What is the median household income in Pacifica?
The median household income in Pacifica, CA is $156,819 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%.