Sonoma, CA

Very High · 208

California · Population 10,726 · Updated March 2026

$2,216
Median Rent / Month
$101,281
Median Income
$954,300
Median Home Value
$2,228
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Sonoma

26.3%
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

$26,592
Annual Rent
$13,470
State Income Tax
$6,776
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Sonoma has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 208 (where 100 equals the national median), Sonoma residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,216/month while earning a median household income of $101,281/year.

The median home value in Sonoma, CA is $954,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,228 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.3%, Sonoma 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 Sonoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Sonoma

What is the cost of living in Sonoma, CA?
The cost of living index in Sonoma, CA is 208 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,216, median household income is $101,281/year, and the median home value is $954,300.
Is Sonoma, CA affordable?
No, Sonoma is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 208. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Sonoma, CA?
The median gross rent in Sonoma, CA is $2,216 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,592.
What is the median household income in Sonoma?
The median household income in Sonoma, CA is $101,281 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%.