Cost of Living in Contra Costa County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Contra Costa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Contra Costa County ranks #2,536 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Contra Costa County, California
Contra Costa matches national rent burden
Contra Costa County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% aligns precisely with national affordability norms, making it a statistical twin to the broader U.S. housing crisis. With median income of $125,727—68% higher than the national median—residents enjoy higher absolute earning power despite dedicating nearly one-quarter of earnings to rent.
Balanced affordability for the Bay Area
Contra Costa's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally below California's state average of 22.4%, positioning it in the state's more affordable half. The $2,322 median rent tops Alameda by just $4 yet generates nearly identical rental burdens across both East Bay powerhouses.
East Bay parity, with subtle advantages
Contra Costa's $2,322 rent and 22.2% burden match Alameda's metrics ($2,318 and 22.0%) almost exactly, while homeownership costs of $2,675 run $224 cheaper than Alameda's $2,899. Both counties offer comparable affordability for high-income households seeking Bay Area proximity.
High earners, high housing costs
Renters pay $2,322 monthly and owners invest $2,675 toward mortgages—combined housing costs consume roughly 44% of a $125,727 income. This leaves $7,000+ monthly for all other living expenses, a luxury unavailable to lower-income California counties.
Contra Costa for the high-income professional
If you earn $120,000+ and work in the Bay Area, Contra Costa delivers comparable affordability to Alameda with marginally lower ownership costs and access to I-680 job corridors. For those earning under $100,000, consider the Sierra foothills or Central Valley; Contra Costa's $830,800 median home price demands substantial financial resources.
Cost of Living Advisory: Contra Costa County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Contra Costa County is affordable. The median rent is $2,322/month against a median household income of $125,727, putting rent at 22.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Contra Costa County pay $2,322/month on average, compared to $2,675/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $92,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $114,643/year. With a median household income of $125,727, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Contra Costa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ventura County where rent averages $2,248/month, Contra Costa County is approximately 3% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Contra Costa County
Rent Burden
22.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,934
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.5%
of gross income
The median home in Contra Costa County may be a stretch
Median home value is $830,800. Estimated monthly cost: $6,633 vs. your max of $2,934.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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