Cost of Living in Hillsborough, CA

With a cost of living index of 311, Hillsborough, CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 211% more expensive than the national average and 168% above the California state average of 144. Hillsborough is a smaller community of 11,122 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hillsborough's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,501 (165% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $2,000,001 (556% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Hillsborough is $250,001, which is 233% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Hillsborough. The area sees an average annual temperature of 58.7°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 52°F. Annual rainfall totals 19.6 inches spread over roughly 65 days.

Everyday prices in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.