Cost of living in Santa Cruz County, CA

In Santa Cruz County, CA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $3,221 per month, a two-bedroom averages $4,223 per month, a three-bedroom averages $5,256 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

In Santa Cruz County, CA, the average household income is $109,266 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $46,104 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The estimated cost of living in Santa Cruz County, CA is approximately $5,331 per month for a single person, $8,452 for a couple, $11,692 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

The combined sales tax rate in Santa Cruz County, CA is 8.85%, which includes the California state rate of 7.25% plus an average local rate of 1.60%.

Based on the data, a single person in Santa Cruz County, CA would need approximately $5,331 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $109,266 per year ($9,106 per month). Santa Cruz County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Santa Cruz County, CA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

The average home value in Santa Cruz County, CA is $1,015,200, with average annual property taxes of $6,305, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

You can compare Santa Cruz County, CA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Santa Cruz County is in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metro area.