Cost of Living in Salinas, CA
Population 161,761 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Salinas, CA is $1,991/month, 2% lower than the California median and 41% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $654,100, 97% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $91,908 a year, 7% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Salinas vs. California vs. U.S.
| Salinas | California | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,991 | $2,036 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $654,100 | $734,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $91,908 | $99,122 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 47.0% | 55.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.5% | 37.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 13.6% | 12.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 4.3% | 17.2% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 32.4 | 37.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Salinas, CA?
The median gross rent in Salinas, CA is $1,991 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Salinas, CA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $79,640 a year in gross income.
Is Salinas, CA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 41% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.1 times the median household income.
Other cities in California
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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