San Carlos, CA

Very High · 365

California · Population 29,797 · Updated March 2026

$2,802
Median Rent / Month
$233,333
Median Income
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
$3,662
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Carlos

14.4%
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

$33,624
Annual Rent
$31,033
State Income Tax
$14,200
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Carlos has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 365 (where 100 equals the national median), San Carlos residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,802/month while earning a median household income of $233,333/year.

The median home value in San Carlos, CA is $2,000,001, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,662 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% 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 San Carlos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Carlos

What is the cost of living in San Carlos, CA?
The cost of living index in San Carlos, CA is 365 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,802, median household income is $233,333/year, and the median home value is $2,000,001.
Is San Carlos, CA affordable?
No, San Carlos is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 365. The rent-to-income ratio is 14.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in San Carlos, CA?
The median gross rent in San Carlos, CA is $2,802 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $33,624.
What is the median household income in San Carlos?
The median household income in San Carlos, CA is $233,333 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%.