Santa Cruz, CA

Very High · 238

California · Population 60,953 · Updated March 2026

$2,302
Median Rent / Month
$111,427
Median Income
$1,180,100
Median Home Value
$2,418
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Santa Cruz

24.8%
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

$27,624
Annual Rent
$14,820
State Income Tax
$8,379
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Santa Cruz has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 238 (where 100 equals the national median), Santa Cruz residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,302/month while earning a median household income of $111,427/year.

The median home value in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,180,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,418 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.8% 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 Santa Cruz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Santa Cruz

What is the cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA?
The cost of living index in Santa Cruz, CA is 238 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,302, median household income is $111,427/year, and the median home value is $1,180,100.
Is Santa Cruz, CA affordable?
No, Santa Cruz is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 238. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,302 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,624.
What is the median household income in Santa Cruz?
The median household income in Santa Cruz, CA is $111,427 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%.