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Cost of Living in San Carlos, CA

Population 29,614 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,854
Median home value$2,000,001
Median household income$237,470

The median rent in San Carlos, CA is $2,854/month, 40% higher than the California median and 102% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $2,000,001, 501% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $237,470 a year, 140% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 14.4%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $114,160/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 8.4×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $10,113/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

San Carlos vs. California vs. U.S.

San CarlosCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$2,854$2,036$1,413
Median home value$2,000,001$734,700$332,700
Median household income$237,470$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate67.8%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher70.2%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate3.3%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.0%6.6%5.2%
Work from home35.0%17.2%15.1%
Median age41.737.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in San Carlos, CA?

The median gross rent in San Carlos, CA is $2,854 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in San Carlos, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $114,160 a year in gross income.

Is San Carlos, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 102% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 8.4 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

Sammamish, WARent $2,857 · Income $239,690Potomac, MDRent $2,887 · Income $236,675Lexington, MARent $2,891 · Income $238,444Wellesley, MARent $2,886 · Income $250,001Dix Hills, NYRent $2,659 · Income $227,944Brambleton, VARent $2,479 · Income $238,018

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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