Cost of Living in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA

With a cost of living index of 185, Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), CA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 85% more expensive than the national average and 42% above the California state average of 144. Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is a small community of 4,895 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County)'s cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,221 (68% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $958,300 (214% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 11.8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County) is $81,288, which is 8% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 33% 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 Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County). The area sees an average annual temperature of 57.2°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 51°F. Annual rainfall totals 22.4 inches spread over roughly 68 days.

Everyday prices in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, 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.