Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, CA
Population: 60,953 • 2026 Data
$111,427
Median Household Income
+44% vs national
$2,302
Median Monthly Rent
+71% vs national
$1,180,100
Median Home Value
+248% vs national
6.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Santa Cruz
The median home value in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,180,100. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,302, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,418.
Rent-to-income ratio: 24.8%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Santa Cruz, CA is $111,427. The unemployment rate stands at 6.3%, with a labor force of 33,751 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.