Cost of Living in Solano County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Solano County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Solano County ranks #2,797 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Solano County, California
Solano stretches budgets in the Bay Area
Solano County renters spend 25.1% of their income on housing—2.7 points above California's average—despite median income of $99,994. At $2,088 for monthly rent, Solano offers Bay Area proximity at somewhat lower costs than its coastal neighbors.
Above-average burden in the Bay Area
Solano ranks among California's less affordable counties with a 25.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $589,600. The county sits between affordable inland regions and pricey coastal counties, acting as a buffer zone for Bay Area commuters.
The commuter's compromise
Solano renters pay $2,088 monthly—nearly identical to Santa Barbara ($2,050) but $805 less than San Mateo—while homes cost $146,100 less. For workers priced out of core Bay Area counties, Solano offers reasonable access with a 45-minute commute to job centers.
Solano household economics
A household earning $99,994 dedicates $2,088 to rent (25.1% of income) or $2,202 for ownership. This relatively high housing cost ratio leaves limited flexibility for savings, childcare, or emergency funds—typical of Bay Area satellite counties.
Solano County: the Bay Area gateway
If you need Bay Area jobs but can't afford core counties, Solano offers $141K-$800K cheaper homes with reasonable commutes to Sacramento and San Francisco. You'll trade urban amenities for suburban sprawl and still dedicate one-quarter of income to housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Solano County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Solano County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $2,088/month against a median household income of $99,994, putting rent at 25.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $2,088/month rent versus $2,202/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $114/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $83,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $94,371/year. With a median household income of $99,994, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Solano County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Solano County sits 2% less expensive than Napa County ($2,141/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Solano County
Rent Burden
25.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,333
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.4%
of gross income
The median home in Solano County may be a stretch
Median home value is $589,600. Estimated monthly cost: $4,707 vs. your max of $2,333.
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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