South Lake Tahoe, CA

Very High · 139

California · Population 21,319 · Updated March 2026

$1,467
Median Rent / Month
$73,940
Median Income
$630,200
Median Home Value
$1,582
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South Lake Tahoe

23.8%
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

$17,604
Annual Rent
$9,834
State Income Tax
$4,474
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South Lake Tahoe has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 139 (where 100 equals the national median), South Lake Tahoe residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,467/month while earning a median household income of $73,940/year.

The median home value in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $630,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,582 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% 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 South Lake Tahoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South Lake Tahoe

What is the cost of living in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The cost of living index in South Lake Tahoe, CA is 139 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,467, median household income is $73,940/year, and the median home value is $630,200.
Is South Lake Tahoe, CA affordable?
No, South Lake Tahoe is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 139. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The median gross rent in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $1,467 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,604.
What is the median household income in South Lake Tahoe?
The median household income in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $73,940 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%.