Scotts Valley, CA

Very High · 233

California · Population 12,138 · Updated March 2026

$2,362
Median Rent / Month
$140,887
Median Income
$1,092,000
Median Home Value
$2,559
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Scotts Valley

20.1%
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

$28,344
Annual Rent
$18,738
State Income Tax
$7,753
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Scotts Valley has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 233 (where 100 equals the national median), Scotts Valley residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,362/month while earning a median household income of $140,887/year.

The median home value in Scotts Valley, CA is $1,092,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,559 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% 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 Scotts Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Scotts Valley

What is the cost of living in Scotts Valley, CA?
The cost of living index in Scotts Valley, CA is 233 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,362, median household income is $140,887/year, and the median home value is $1,092,000.
Is Scotts Valley, CA affordable?
No, Scotts Valley is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 233. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Scotts Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Scotts Valley, CA is $2,362 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,344.
What is the median household income in Scotts Valley?
The median household income in Scotts Valley, CA is $140,887 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%.