Cost of Living in Monte Rio, CA

With a cost of living index of 133, Monte Rio, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 33% more expensive than the national average and 11% below the California state average of 144. Monte Rio is a small community of 765 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Monte Rio's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,297 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $666,200 (118% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 13.6x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Monte Rio is $48,922, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 32% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Monte Rio. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.5°F, with summers averaging 56°F and winters around 50°F. Annual rainfall totals 28.9 inches spread over roughly 90 days.

Everyday prices in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, 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.