Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, CA
Population 61,607 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,452/month, 20% higher than the California median and 74% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,209,000, 263% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $115,475 a year, 16% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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Santa Cruz vs. California vs. U.S.
| Santa Cruz | California | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,452 | $2,036 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $1,209,000 | $734,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $115,475 | $99,122 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 48.4% | 55.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 57.6% | 37.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 17.0% | 12.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.2% | 6.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 22.2% | 17.2% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 31.1 | 37.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Santa Cruz, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Cruz, CA is $2,452 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Santa Cruz, CA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $98,080 a year in gross income.
Is Santa Cruz, CA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 74% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 10.5 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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