Living in Monterey, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Monterey · Census data 2020–2024
Monterey has 29,613 residents with a median age of 37.5. The median household income is $102,846 (4% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,076,300, the median rent is $2,353/month.
Monterey at a glance
- Population
- 29,613
- Median age
- 37.5State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $102,846State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,076,300State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,353/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 36.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 52.9%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Monterey a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 4% higher than the California median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 6%; a poverty rate of 9.8%.
Cons: Home values 46% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Monterey
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Monterey the median home value is $1,076,300, 224% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,353 per month, which is 32.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,137 a month in housing costs.
Monterey median household income
The median household income in Monterey is $102,846 and the income per person is $62,773. 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Monterey: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 14,136
- Owner-occupied
- 36.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 63.8%
- Vacant
- 11.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 2.10
Monterey demographics
- Population
- 29,613
- Median age
- 37.5
- Under 18
- 14.3%
- 65 and older
- 21.2%
- Households
- 12,534
- Foreign-born
- 17.7%
- Veterans
- 7.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Monterey ›
Education in Monterey
52.9% of adults 25 and older in Monterey have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 27.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Monterey
- Unemployment rate
- 6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 23%
- Drive alone
- 57.7%
- Public transit
- 2.6%
- Walk to work
- 9.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.6%
Monterey vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey | 29,613 | $102,846 | $1,076,300 | $2,353 |
| Sand City | 404 | $77,917 | $1,080,400 | $2,316 |
| Pacific Grove | 14,951 | $106,065 | $1,190,400 | $2,455 |
| Del Rey Oaks | 1,570 | $134,500 | $835,800 | $3,298 |
| Del Monte Forest | 3,613 | $142,763 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Seaside | 31,814 | $85,311 | $787,100 | $2,409 |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 3,162 | $129,250 | $2,000,001 | $2,707 |
| Marina | 22,563 | $95,955 | $818,700 | $2,101 |
| Carmel Valley Village | 4,785 | $156,161 | $1,275,500 | $2,211 |
More for people moving to Monterey
Monterey ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Monterey: FAQ
What is the median household income in Monterey, CA?
The median household income in Monterey is $102,846, 4% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Monterey?
The median home value in Monterey is $1,076,300, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Monterey?
The median gross rent in Monterey is $2,353 per month, about 32.7% of household income.
Is Monterey, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 4% higher than the California median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 6%; a poverty rate of 9.8%. Minuses: home values 46% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Monterey?
The median age in Monterey is 37.5 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Monterey?
The average commute to work in Monterey is 19 minutes; 23% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Monterey?
The unemployment rate in Monterey is 6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Monterey?
52.9% of adults in Monterey have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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