Santa Cruz, CA, US
Beach town with UC Santa Cruz, the Boardwalk, redwood forests, and a laid-back vibe.
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
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 | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $3 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $2 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $255 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Cruz
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,760/mo.
Santa Cruz Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $2,530/mo.
East Santa Cruz
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $2,070/mo.
West Santa Cruz
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $2,185/mo.
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" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.72% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.