Santa Cruz, CA, US
Beach town with UC Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk, redwood forests, and a laid-back vibe.
Overview
Santa Cruz is a city in CA with a population of 65,000. Beach town with UC Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk, redwood forests, and a laid-back vibe. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.7.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Santa Cruz vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $70,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 65,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 72°F
- Winter Low: 42°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $1,100,000
- 1BR Rent: $2300/mo
Cost of Living
Santa Cruz's cost of living index is 175 (US average = 100).
| Category | Santa Cruz | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 175 | 100 | +75.0% |
| Housing | 215 | 100 | +115.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,100,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2300/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $733 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Cruz:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $243 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $72 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $95 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $515 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Santa Cruz scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Santa Cruz has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 57°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 72°F | 47°F | 1.5" |
| October | 52°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Santa Cruz faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent and severe wildfire seasons.
Located on the San Andreas Fault system with frequent seismic activity.
Extreme summer heat in inland and desert regions.
Frequent and severe drought conditions.
Coastal and mountainous regions with frequent landslides.
Sierra Nevada with frequent avalanches.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.75% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Santa Cruz is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Cruz, CA, US?
The cost of living index in Santa Cruz is 175, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Cruz?
The median home price in Santa Cruz is $1,100,000. The housing index is 215.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz is approximately $2300/mo.
Does Santa Cruz, CA have income tax?
Santa Cruz is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 8%.
What is the climate like in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.