Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,349 (excluding rent), and $2,921 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,270 (excluding rent), and $5,508 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$22.93 $22.93

$20.38 $20.38

$40.76 $40.76

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$83.8 $83.8

$64.1 $64.1

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.91 $11.91

$14.88 $14.88

Cappuccino

$5.01 $5.01

$3.08 $3.08

$7.18 $7.18

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

$3 $3

$2.05 $2.05

$4.11 $4.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.26 $2.26

$2.05 $2.05

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.94 $7.94

$6.95 $6.95

$7.94 $7.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.28 $8.28

$4.87 $4.87

$9.74 $9.74

Milk (1 liter)

$1.27 $1.27

$0.98 $0.98

$1.59 $1.59

White Bread (500g)

$4.7 $4.7

$3.2 $3.2

$5.97 $5.97

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.15 $2.15

$6.51 $6.51

Eggs

$5.2 $5.2

$2.45 $2.45

$6.87 $6.87

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.42 $16.42

$9.21 $9.21

$41.74 $41.74

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.59 $12.59

$8.42 $8.42

$18.89 $18.89

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.7 $17.7

$9.96 $9.96

$17.7 $17.7

Apples (1kg)

$7.62 $7.62

$2.15 $2.15

$10.79 $10.79

Banana (1kg)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.76 $1.76

$4.45 $4.45

Oranges (1kg)

$8.04 $8.04

$1.99 $1.99

$13.16 $13.16

Tomato (1kg)

$8.42 $8.42

$3.33 $3.33

$8.86 $8.86

Potato (1kg)

$3.93 $3.93

$0.76 $0.76

$6.54 $6.54

Onion (1kg)

$3.96 $3.96

$2.01 $2.01

$6.71 $6.71

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.1 $2.1

$0.97 $0.97

$2.92 $2.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.02 $1.02

$3.07 $3.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.05 $12.05

$9.04 $9.04

$15.06 $15.06

Wine (Bottle)

$11.98 $11.98

$7.98 $7.98

$19.96 $19.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.46 $1.46

$2.04 $2.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.95 $3.95

$1.18 $1.18

$5.92 $5.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$64.6 $64.6

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.6 $3.6

$5.14 $5.14

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.84 $1.84

$1.53 $1.53

$1.88 $1.88

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.88 $28.88

$39.83 $39.83

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.16 $1.16

$1.46 $1.46

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

$23.5K $23.5K

$23.1K $23.1K

$36.1K $36.1K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.4K $25.4K

$31.7K $31.7K

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

$282 $282

$102 $102

$407 $407

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

$51 $51

$35.64 $35.64

$71.3 $71.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73.8 $73.8

$49.56 $49.56

$99.1 $99.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.11 $43.11

$17.54 $17.54

$50.1 $50.1

Cinema Ticket

$13.87 $13.87

$11.39 $11.39

$15.6 $15.6

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

$1,861 $1,861

$1,196 $1,196

$2,800 $2,800

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$37.8K $37.8K

$30K $30K

$50K $50K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.5 $59.5

$40.66 $40.66

$71.2 $71.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$62.1 $62.1

$12.15 $12.15

$70.9 $70.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.4 $95.4

$60 $60

$142 $142

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$126 $126

$40.41 $40.41

$167 $167

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,612 $1,612

$1,208 $1,208

$1,869 $1,869

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,339 $1,339

$989 $989

$1,484 $1,484

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,131 $3,131

$2,626 $2,626

$3,635 $3,635

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,219 $2,219

$1,698 $1,698

$2,497 $2,497

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,963 $2,963

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.55

6.19

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Petaluma offers a balanced mix of small-city charm and access to broader Bay Area amenities, which makes it appealing for longer stays. The core costs favor travelers who prioritize property with character and nearby nature over ultra-cheap urban rents. You'll find that everyday groceries and dining prices sit between megacity averages and rural towns, with some seasonal promos at farmers markets. The Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA, United States sits notably lower than San Francisco proper, yet higher than inland country towns in some categories. Mobility around town is easy, and day trips to wine country are convenient. Tip: plan for month-by-month swings in demand.

Housing search in Petaluma tends to reward scouting early and inspecting a range of styles – from historic downtown flats to single-family homes in West Petaluma and newer duplexes on the riverfront. Expect a mix of pet-friendly options and longer leases if you want stability. Food-wise, you'll find strong local produce, coffee shops, and casual eateries; farmers markets run seasonally and make daily errands pleasant. Transport can be car-friendly, but the town is also walkable and bike-friendly, with bus links to surrounding cities. For coworking, look for light-filled spaces near the historic core. Petaluma, CA, United States living cost is shaped by proximity to Sonoma and daily conveniences, not by luxury amenities. Tip: map out neighborhoods by daily needs first.

Quality of life in Petaluma blends small-town ease with access to natural beauty and cultural events. Build a simple budgeting framework by separating recurring bills, groceries, and discretionary spend, then track your seasonal swings - summer events can raise food and activity costs, while winter may reduce outdoor pursuits. For neighborhoods, Old Petaluma offers historic character and compact essentials, West Petaluma tends toward quiet residential streets and river views, and the eastern areas are practical for longer commutes. Seasonal farmers markets help stretch groceries, and bike lanes make short trips affordable. Tip: try a two-week trial stay in different neighborhoods to feel the rhythm before committing.