San Rafael, CA

Very High · 251

California · Population 60,604 · Updated March 2026

$2,346
Median Rent / Month
$109,317
Median Income
$1,246,200
Median Home Value
$2,646
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Rafael

25.8%
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

$28,152
Annual Rent
$14,539
State Income Tax
$8,848
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Rafael has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 251 (where 100 equals the national median), San Rafael residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,346/month while earning a median household income of $109,317/year.

The median home value in San Rafael, CA is $1,246,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,646 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.8%, San Rafael 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 San Rafael.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Rafael

What is the cost of living in San Rafael, CA?
The cost of living index in San Rafael, CA is 251 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,346, median household income is $109,317/year, and the median home value is $1,246,200.
Is San Rafael, CA affordable?
No, San Rafael is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 251. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in San Rafael, CA?
The median gross rent in San Rafael, CA is $2,346 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,152.
What is the median household income in San Rafael?
The median household income in San Rafael, CA is $109,317 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%.