Seal Beach, CA

Very High · 144

California · Population 24,868 · Updated March 2026

$2,419
Median Rent / Month
$83,045
Median Income
$492,200
Median Home Value
$1,177
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Seal Beach

35.0%
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

$29,028
Annual Rent
$11,045
State Income Tax
$3,495
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Seal Beach has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 144 (where 100 equals the national median), Seal Beach residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,419/month while earning a median household income of $83,045/year.

The median home value in Seal Beach, CA is $492,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,177 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The 35.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates significant housing cost burden. Residents spend well over a third of their income on rent alone.

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 Seal Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Seal Beach

What is the cost of living in Seal Beach, CA?
The cost of living index in Seal Beach, CA is 144 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,419, median household income is $83,045/year, and the median home value is $492,200.
Is Seal Beach, CA affordable?
No, Seal Beach is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 144. The rent-to-income ratio is 35.0%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Seal Beach, CA?
The median gross rent in Seal Beach, CA is $2,419 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,028.
What is the median household income in Seal Beach?
The median household income in Seal Beach, CA is $83,045 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%.