Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Monterey, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 29,410 residents. Monterey has a population density of 3,391 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Monterey residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Monterey population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Monterey. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Monterey is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Monterey and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Monterey, CA receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #61 in California and #2,017 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Monterey could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Monterey scores well for education (B+) and employment (A+) There is at least one category that did not score well in Monterey. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (F).
Monterey has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Monterey has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Wine Trolley Tours.
The unemployment rate in Monterey has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.2%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Monterey real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Monterey. The median home price for Monterey homes is $1,478,742, which is 102.1% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Monterey, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 12.3, which is 59.7% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Monterey | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 62.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.2% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.4% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.0% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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