Cost of Living in Castro Valley, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,015 (excluding rent), and $3,276 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,535 (excluding rent), and $4,983 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$22.39 $22.39

$15.26 $15.26

$30.53 $30.53

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$76.1 $76.1

$49.11 $49.11

$118 $118

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.80 $10.80

$9.82 $9.82

$11.79 $11.79

Cappuccino

$5.80 $5.80

$4.07 $4.07

$6.40 $6.40

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.95 $2.95

$2.03 $2.03

$5.06 $5.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.99 $2.99

$1.03 $1.03

$5.13 $5.13

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.69 $7.69

$5.13 $5.13

$12.31 $12.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.75 $8.75

$5.83 $5.83

$9.72 $9.72

Milk (1 liter)

$1.31 $1.31

$1.07 $1.07

$1.61 $1.61

White Bread (500g)

$4.53 $4.53

$2.25 $2.25

$7.70 $7.70

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.10 $3.10

$2.18 $2.18

$9.92 $9.92

Eggs

$4.64 $4.64

$1.97 $1.97

$5.90 $5.90

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.17 $11.17

$4.23 $4.23

$26.83 $26.83

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.81 $9.81

$6.68 $6.68

$20.10 $20.10

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.74 $12.74

$6.62 $6.62

$22.17 $22.17

Apples (1kg)

$4.72 $4.72

$2.04 $2.04

$9.00 $9.00

Banana (1kg)

$2.74 $2.74

$1.72 $1.72

$6.78 $6.78

Oranges (1kg)

$3.11 $3.11

$2.03 $2.03

$6.72 $6.72

Tomato (1kg)

$4.87 $4.87

$2.17 $2.17

$8.68 $8.68

Potato (1kg)

$3.02 $3.02

$2.06 $2.06

$4.53 $4.53

Onion (1kg)

$3.45 $3.45

$1.75 $1.75

$4.98 $4.98

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.29 $2.29

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.63 $2.63

$0.98 $0.98

$4.92 $4.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.22 $11.22

Wine (Bottle)

$13.77 $13.77

$9.83 $9.83

$19.67 $19.67

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.69 $1.69

$2.79 $2.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 $2.77

$1.01 $1.01

$4.03 $4.03

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.34 $3.34

$2.57 $2.57

$4.11 $4.11

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.60 $4.60

$4.09 $4.09

$5.11 $5.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.86 $1.86

$3.65 $3.65

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.67 $29.67

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 $1.19

$0.97 $0.97

$1.28 $1.28

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.3K $30.3K

$24.1K $24.1K

$37.1K $37.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.6K $27.6K

$23.7K $23.7K

$32.3K $32.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$198 $198

$99.0 $99.0

$278 $278

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$47.88 $47.88

$15.28 $15.28

$81.5 $81.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.4 $71.4

$51.0 $51.0

$87.7 $87.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.68 $43.68

$17.78 $17.78

$50.8 $50.8

Cinema Ticket

$15.73 $15.73

$9.83 $9.83

$17.94 $17.94

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,587 $1,587

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

$34.7K $34.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$55.2 $55.2

$24.54 $24.54

$68.7 $68.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.82 $34.82

$11.94 $11.94

$49.75 $49.75

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.3 $78.3

$65.7 $65.7

$80.9 $80.9

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.6 $78.6

$49.10 $49.10

$98.2 $98.2

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,291 $2,291

$2,092 $2,092

$2,490 $2,490

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,017 $2,017

$1,968 $1,968

$2,066 $2,066

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,658 $2,658

$2,021 $2,021

$3,032 $3,032

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,218 $2,218

$1,697 $1,697

$2,496 $2,496

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,478 $7,478

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$7,479 $7,479

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,654 $5,654

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.56

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Castro Valley, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

253

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

364

Mbps

141

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Castro Valley, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with San Francisco or Oakland, Castro Valley offers a more relaxed vibe at a gentler pace, with a housing footprint that feels more manageable and daily costs that are more predictable. You'll find quiet neighborhoods, good proximity to the East Bay hills, and groceries or dining that don't always price out of reach. Cost of Living in Castro Valley, CA, United States tends to scale with choices around housing size, commute options, and lifestyle expenses. Use this as a baseline: modest apartment options, practical transit, and flexible workspaces can help you balance budget with quality of life. Tip: Start with a baseline plan and adjust as your work schedule and needs change.

Finding a place in Castro Valley often means starting with neighborhood vibes that fit your routine and commute. You'll see a mix of modest apartments and single-family homes, usually with easy access to BART or major highways. For everyday meals, you can lean on grocery stores, local markets, and casual eateries that offer reliable options without soaring prices. Transit is workable if you plan around peak times, but most nomads rely on a car or rideshare for flexibility. Co-working spaces exist nearby, along with coffee shops that welcome remote work with a quiet corner or fast Wi-Fi. Running errands is straightforward with a compact retail scene and nearby services. Castro Valley, CA, United States living cost provides a practical gauge as you compare neighborhoods and rent ranges. Tip: Start with 1-2 neighborhoods you like and test a weekend to get a feel.

Quality of life in Castro Valley comes from balancing simplicity with access to nature and nearby city access. Use a budgeting framework that separates housing, utilities, groceries, and transport, then add a flexible category for seasonality and occasional splurges. Neighborhood fit depends on your rhythm: choose a tree-lined street near parks for weekend outdoor time, or a brisk walkable core if you want more dining and coffee options. Practical saving moves include shopping at farmers markets, cooking at home, and leveraging free community events. Transport choices can shift with work patterns – consider car-sharing or bike options for short trips. Tip: set a monthly review to adjust plans as seasons and routines change.