Seaside, CA

Very High · 182

California · Population 31,964 · Updated March 2026

$2,314
Median Rent / Month
$82,303
Median Income
$692,600
Median Home Value
$2,270
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Seaside

33.7%
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

$27,768
Annual Rent
$10,946
State Income Tax
$4,917
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Seaside has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 182 (where 100 equals the national median), Seaside residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,314/month while earning a median household income of $82,303/year.

The median home value in Seaside, CA is $692,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,270 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 33.7% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Seaside are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

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 Seaside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Seaside

What is the cost of living in Seaside, CA?
The cost of living index in Seaside, CA is 182 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,314, median household income is $82,303/year, and the median home value is $692,600.
Is Seaside, CA affordable?
No, Seaside is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 182. The rent-to-income ratio is 33.7%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Seaside, CA?
The median gross rent in Seaside, CA is $2,314 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,768.
What is the median household income in Seaside?
The median household income in Seaside, CA is $82,303 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%.