Cost of Living in Salinas, CA
Population: 161,993 • 2026 Data
$89,150
Median Household Income
+15% vs national
$1,923
Median Monthly Rent
+43% vs national
$610,900
Median Home Value
+80% vs national
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Salinas
The median home value in Salinas, CA is $610,900. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,923, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,912.
Rent-to-income ratio: 25.9%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Salinas, CA is $89,150. The unemployment rate stands at 4.7%, with a labor force of 73,271 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.