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Last updated: Feb 2026

CA Hub

Palo Alto

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

Palo Alto is a small city in CA with a population of 66,848 residents. With a median home price of $993,899 (184% above the national median) and median household income of $82,922, Palo Alto is considered very expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 12.0x.

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Home Price
$993,899
Population
66,848
Nearby Cities
Palo Alto
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in Palo Alto features a median home price of $993,899, which is 184% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $4,141, 176% above the national average. Over the past decade, rent has increased by 22%.

Median Home Price$993,899
Monthly Rent$4,141
Annual Housing Cost$14,527
Rent Growth (10yr)+22%

Demographics

Palo Alto has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population66,848
Median Age40.2 years
Household Size2.55
US Size Rank#795
Economy

Economy & Income

Palo Alto offers a median household income of $82,922, which is 18% higher than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 60% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$82,922
Unemployment Rate6.9%
Price to Income Ratio12.0x
Monthly Rent / Income60%

Safety & Quality of Life

481
Violent Crime per 100k
2165
Property Crime per 100k
2647
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of Palo Alto is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionCA
Climate TypeWarm
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting Palo Alto during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Popular Comparisons from Palo Alto

See how Palo Alto compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

Palo Alto vs New YorkNY
Palo Alto vs Los AngelesCA
Palo Alto vs ChicagoIL
Palo Alto vs HoustonTX
Palo Alto vs PhoenixAZ
Palo Alto vs AustinTX
Palo Alto vs San FranciscoCA
Palo Alto vs SeattleWA
Palo Alto vs DenverCO
Palo Alto vs BostonMA

Frequently Asked Questions about Palo Alto

What is the cost of living in Palo Alto, CA?

The median home price in Palo Alto is $993,899, with average monthly rent of $4,141. The median household income is $82,922, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 12.0x.

Is Palo Alto affordable?

Palo Alto is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 12.0x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of Palo Alto?

Palo Alto has a population of 66,848 residents, making it the #795 largest city in the United States.

How safe is Palo Alto?

Palo Alto has a violent crime rate of 481 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. The property crime rate is 2165 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

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