Cost of Living in Santa Cruz County, CA
Population 264,926 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Santa Cruz County, CA is $2,264/month, 11% higher than the California median and 60% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,027,500, 209% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $111,093 a year, 12% higher than the state median.
Affordability
Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary
Santa Cruz County vs. California vs. U.S.
| Santa Cruz County | California | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,264 | $2,036 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $1,027,500 | $734,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $111,093 | $99,122 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 59.9% | 55.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 43.9% | 37.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 11.6% | 12.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 6.6% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 19.3% | 17.2% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 39.8 | 37.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Santa Cruz County, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Cruz County, CA is $2,264 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Santa Cruz County, CA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $90,560 a year in gross income.
Is Santa Cruz County, CA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 60% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 9.2 times the median household income.
Other counties in California
Counties 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.
Explore more
New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.