F
126%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
381%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Pleasanton California National
Cost of living226140100
Goods & Services108111100
Groceries115112100
Health care123109100
Housing481196100
Transportation130126100
Utilities132127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Pleasanton, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Pleasanton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Pleasanton is 226, which is 126% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Pleasanton may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Pleasanton falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Pleasanton, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 381.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Pleasanton, it's the same story – grocery costs are 14.5% higher than what people pay across the country.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Pleasanton?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 18 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Pleasanton. The results indicated that 22% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 78% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Pleasanton Affordable?

Is Pleasanton affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Pleasanton, the median home price is 471.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 170.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Pleasanton boasting a median household income of $160,689, 190.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pleasanton?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Pleasanton, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Pleasanton, the healthcare costs are 22.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Pleasanton, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pleasanton is 62% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Pleasanton is 126% higher than the national average
  • Pleasanton housing is 381% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Pleasanton

See all the best places to live around Pleasanton

Compare Pleasanton, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$194,250$16,188$4,532$5,828
      Renters$97,120$8,093$2,266$2,914
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Pleasanton, CA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Pleasanton have a median income of $194,250. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,532 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $97,120, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,266.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 12.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.94$24.2639.9%
      Beauty Salon $48.51$45.566.5%
      Toothpaste $3.72$3.700.4%
      Shampoo $1.66$1.2829.9%
      Movie $13.31$12.139.7%
      Bowling $33.30$18.0085.0%

      Groceries

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.79$5.840.8%
      Fried Chicken $2.13$1.5735.7%
      Milk $5.05$4.678.2%
      Potatoes $4.77$4.933.4%
      Pizza $14.92$12.0923.5%
      Beer $10.99$10.415.6%

      Health Care

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $158.95$125.6826.5%
      Doctor $194.05$135.7842.9%
      Dentist $147.78$113.2930.4%
      Ibuprofen $11.51$10.658.1%
      Lipitor $390.15$468.6016.7%

      Housing

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $1,056,100.00$184,700.00471.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $8,581.10$2,346.69265.7%
      Apartment Rent $2,570.00$949.00170.8%

      Transportation

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.81$3.4638.9%
      Tire Balancing $65.62$59.929.5%

      Utilities

      Item Pleasanton National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $294.74$193.9951.9%
      Phone $190.07$192.251.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cherryland, CA15,97615858.3%
      Ashland, CA23,56616463.8%
      San Lorenzo, CA30,11717171.4%
      Hayward, CA158,81717373.0%
      Byron, CA2,05718079.9%
      Pleasanton, CA79,975226126.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lawrence, MA80,02212726.7%
      Mountain View, CA80,104283182.8%
      Alameda, CA79,827207107.4%
      Brooklyn Park, MN80,1731054.8%
      Saint-Jérôme, QC79,702n/a 
      Pleasanton, CA79,975226126.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.