Cost of Living in San Benito County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How San Benito County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
San Benito County ranks #2,247 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in San Benito County, California
San Benito punches above its weight
San Benito County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of 22.4%, earning it status as a relative bargain. With median household income of $108,289—44% above the national median of $74,755—San Benito workers enjoy strong income-to-rent ratios.
San Benito: affordability leader in California
San Benito's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among California's best, falling below the state average of 22.4% despite higher home values. The county combines reasonable rents with robust household incomes, creating true affordability relative to peer counties.
San Benito balances cost and income smartly
San Benito's $1,922 median rent sits between San Luis Obispo ($1,899) and Riverside ($1,814), but its median household income of $108,289 dwarfs both. Home values of $751,500 lag San Luis Obispo ($777,200) and rival San Diego's coastal premium.
High income shields San Benito from housing stress
Renters in San Benito pay $1,922 monthly while homeowners face $2,738—a substantial $816 gap reflecting steep ownership costs relative to rents. Yet the county's exceptional median income of $108,289 means even mortgages consume only 30% of household earnings, easing the burden.
San Benito: California's hidden gem for earners
High-income professionals seeking California living should target San Benito, where rents rank among the state's most affordable relative to income. The county's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio and robust median income of $108,289 create rare housing relief in expensive California.
Cost of Living Advisory: San Benito County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in San Benito County is affordable. The median rent is $1,922/month against a median household income of $108,289, putting rent at 21.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in San Benito County pay $1,922/month on average, compared to $2,738/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 30%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $76,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $117,343/year. With a median household income of $108,289, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in San Benito County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within California, San Benito County is less affordable than Placer County by roughly 3% ($1,922/mo vs $1,991/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in San Benito County
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,527
per month
Owner Cost Burden
30.3%
of gross income
The median home in San Benito County may be a stretch
Median home value is $751,500. Estimated monthly cost: $5,999 vs. your max of $2,527.
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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