Skyline of Sunnyvale
Cost of Living: 195 155,000

Sunnyvale, CA, US

Silicon Valley tech hub with Apple, Google, and LinkedIn campuses and top schools.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 195

Very High vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 250

Very Expensive

Median Income $130,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.5%

Job market health

Sunnyvale vs US Average

Cost of Living
Sunnyvale: 195
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Sunnyvale: 250
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Sunnyvale: 8%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8.0%
  • Sales Tax: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $130,000
  • Unemployment: 2.5%
  • Population: 155,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 80°F
  • Winter Low: 45°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $1,600,000
  • 1BR Rent: $2800/mo

Cost of Living

Sunnyvale's cost of living index is 195 (US average = 100).

CategorySunnyvaleNational AverageDifference
Overall195100+95.0%
Housing250100+150.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$1,600,000
Median Rent (1BR)$2800/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$3,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$1,066

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sunnyvale:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$3Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$4Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$257Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Sunnyvale

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $3,360/mo.

Sunnyvale Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $3,080/mo.

East Sunnyvale

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $2,520/mo.

West Sunnyvale

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $2,660/mo.

Remote Work Score

Sunnyvale scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
195
Rent
$2800
Sunny Days
260
Tax
8%
Unemployment
2.5%
Climate
80°F / 45°F

Climate

Sunnyvale has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January65°F45°F2.5"
April65°F60°F2.8"
July80°F55°F1.5"
October60°F63°F2.2"

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 2.5%.

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 Sunnyvale, CA, US?

The cost of living index in Sunnyvale is 195, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Sunnyvale?

The median home price in Sunnyvale is $1,600,000. The housing index is 250.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sunnyvale is approximately $2800/mo.

Does Sunnyvale, CA have income tax?

Sunnyvale is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 8%.

What is the climate like in Sunnyvale?

Sunnyvale enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°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.