Here's what it costs to live in Salinas, California, based on the latest US government data. Renters pay a median of $1,991 per month, while the typical home is valued around $654,100. Households earn a median of $91,908 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 44. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$91,908
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,991
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$654,100
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
N/A
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,173
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,232
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,684
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,623
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
| 🔧Plumber | N/A |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | N/A |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | N/A |
| 👔Operations Manager | N/A |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | N/A |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | N/A |
| 🚛Truck Driver | N/A |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
161,761
Latest estimate
Median Age
32.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
44.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
N/A
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,053
Per month
Avg Home Value
$668,233
Census ACS
January Avg
52°F
July Avg
63°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
30.4
poor
Hospitals
2
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
87.7%
What is the cost of living index for Salinas?
The cost of living index for Salinas is not yet available in our database.
What is the median rent in Salinas?
The median gross rent in Salinas is $1,991 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Salinas?
The median household income in Salinas is $91,908 per year.
What is the median home value in Salinas?
The median home value in Salinas is $654,100 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Salinas?
Salinas has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Salinas?
Tax data for California is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
