Home / Relocation inside the US / California
Official figures for California: state income tax, capital gains, estate and inheritance tax, sales tax and the residency test, with rents, home values, price levels and safety from federal statistics.
Talk to a specialistMCP
The short answer
California state income tax: Graduated, top rate 13.3% from $1,000,000 of taxable income (single filer). Median gross rent is $2,160 per month and the price level is 110.7 against a US average of 100. Sales, estate and inheritance taxes and the residency rule are set out below with their sources.
Evidence: Official source · Machine-readable data · As of 30 October 2026
State tax rules
Each rule below is read from the California revenue department or statute and checked against an independent table. Local taxes are not included.
State level only. Local income taxes (for example city or county taxes) and local sales taxes are added on top where they exist.
Cost of living
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median gross rent per month | $2,160 |
| Median home value | $770,700 |
| Property tax as a share of home value | 0.72% |
| Median real estate taxes paid per year | $5,537 |
| Median household income | $102,159 |
| Price level (US = 100) | 110.7 |
| Housing price level (US = 100) | 154.3 |
| Residential electricity price | 32.58 cents per kWh |
Rent, home value, property tax and income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Electricity: EIA, year to date through August 2026.
Move comparisons
Questions
California state income tax: Graduated, top rate 13.3% from $1,000,000 of taxable income (single filer). Federal income tax applies in addition, as in every state.
The statewide sales tax rate in California is 7.25%. Counties and cities may add local rates.
In California the median gross rent is $2,160 per month and the median value of an owner-occupied home is $770,700, according to the Census Bureau American Community Survey 2025.
Information, not tax or legal advice. Rates are statutory state rates for the stated year; local income, sales and property taxes, deductions and federal tax are not included. Statistics are the latest official releases for the year shown. Confirm your own position with the state revenue department or a tax adviser.
Residence, tax domicile and timing decide what a move is worth. Our consultants help you weigh state tax, cost of living and your immigration status together, in confidence.
Book a consultation