Cost of Living in Palo Alto, CA
Population: 67,231 • 2026 Data
$220,408
Median Household Income
+185% vs national
$3,328
Median Monthly Rent
+147% vs national
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
+490% vs national
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Palo Alto
The median home value in Palo Alto, CA is $2,000,001. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $3,328, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $3,499.
Rent-to-income ratio: 18.1%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Palo Alto, CA is $220,408. The unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, with a labor force of 34,161 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.