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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,416 (excluding rent), and $3,664 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,706 (excluding rent), and $7,303 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$30.12 $30.12

$20.08 $20.08

$50.2 $50.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$90.8 $90.8

$80.7 $80.7

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.92 $11.92

$14.9 $14.9

Cappuccino

$4.86 $4.86

$3.98 $3.98

$5.97 $5.97

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

$2.51 $2.51

$1.95 $1.95

$3.71 $3.71

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.02 $1.02

$3.89 $3.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.88 $7.88

$6.89 $6.89

$14.77 $14.77

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.15 $8.15

$20.39 $20.39

Milk (1 liter)

$1.42 $1.42

$0.93 $0.93

$2.08 $2.08

White Bread (500g)

$3.39 $3.39

$2.09 $2.09

$5.92 $5.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.19 $6.19

$3.27 $3.27

$10.78 $10.78

Eggs

$5.39 $5.39

$2.92 $2.92

$9.71 $9.71

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.63 $20.63

$8.79 $8.79

$41.77 $41.77

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.15 $13.15

$6.53 $6.53

$23.97 $23.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.06 $17.06

$13.36 $13.36

$26.73 $26.73

Apples (1kg)

$5.73 $5.73

$2.15 $2.15

$10.78 $10.78

Banana (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.75 $1.75

$4.72 $4.72

Oranges (1kg)

$3.47 $3.47

$1.97 $1.97

$9.22 $9.22

Tomato (1kg)

$6.06 $6.06

$4.33 $4.33

$9.83 $9.83

Potato (1kg)

$4.38 $4.38

$2.15 $2.15

$9.76 $9.76

Onion (1kg)

$3.47 $3.47

$2.24 $2.24

$10.19 $10.19

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.14 $2.14

$0.99 $0.99

$4.96 $4.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.54 $1.54

$4.09 $4.09

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.98 $10.98

$9.98 $9.98

$14.97 $14.97

Wine (Bottle)

$9.87 $9.87

$7.9 $7.9

$24.68 $24.68

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.71 $1.71

$1.41 $1.41

$4.24 $4.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.35 $5.35

$3.97 $3.97

$7.04 $7.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$69.4 $69.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.57 $3.57

$5.1 $5.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.88 $1.88

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$39.25 $39.25

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.17 $1.17

$1.5 $1.5

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

$23.9K $23.9K

$23.5K $23.5K

$50K $50K

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

$26.2K $26.2K

$26K $26K

$40.4K $40.4K

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

$282 $282

$102 $102

$471 $471

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

$52.3 $52.3

$34.51 $34.51

$148 $148

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.9 $71.9

$50.3 $50.3

$251 $251

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.39 $40.39

$17.67 $17.67

$50.5 $50.5

Cinema Ticket

$14.35 $14.35

$11.88 $11.88

$19.79 $19.79

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

$2,033 $2,033

$2,855 $2,855

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$37.6K $37.6K

$39.9K $39.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$54.3 $54.3

$39.51 $39.51

$87.9 $87.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.14 $38.14

$25.43 $25.43

$71.2 $71.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93 $93

$58.5 $58.5

$164 $164

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$126 $126

$40.37 $40.37

$227 $227

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,192 $2,192

$1,012 $1,012

$3,036 $3,036

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,138 $2,138

$1,790 $1,790

$2,487 $2,487

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,230 $4,230

$2,974 $2,974

$4,957 $4,957

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,796 $3,796

$2,531 $2,531

$5,062 $5,062

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$6,141 $6,141

$3,177 $3,177

$7,730 $7,730

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$7,306 $7,306

$6,446 $6,446

$7,843 $7,843

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,527 $4,527

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.41

6.19

6.8

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Salinas, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas offers a balanced pace and practical living that many travelers, expats, and digital nomads find appealing. The Cost of Living in Salinas, CA, United States sits at a gentler tempo than the big West Coast metros, with easier access to everyday services, markets, and coworking spaces. Housing options span from compact apartments to ranch-style homes in quieter pockets, often with room to spread out without paying Monterey Bay area premiums. The city's agricultural surroundings tempt with farm-to-table meals and relaxed neighborhoods, while proximity to beaches and parks adds weekend flexibility. Tip: start with a short-term stay in a couple of neighborhoods and test transit and work-friendly spots before committing.

Daily life revolves around practical routines and accessible amenities. Salinas, CA, United States living cost varies by neighborhood and season, with outskirts offering more breathing room and downtown options delivering convenience. Housing searches surface a mix of modest apartments, duplexes, and small homes on quiet streets; plan a few viewings to compare space, noise, and proximity to work or coworking spaces. Food options range from reliable supermarkets to farmers markets that spotlight fresh produce. Transport is workable with car use common, plus limited bus routes and some bike lanes in core corridors; coworking spaces and libraries offer quiet workdays. Tip: map a weekly route to cut trips and save time.

Quality of life comes from purposeful budgeting, neighborhood fit, and seasonal rhythm. Consider a simple framework that separates housing, food, transport, and leisure, then reassess as you settle into different areas. The climate brings mild mornings and pleasant days, with nearby farms boosting weekend markets during peak seasons. For neighborhood fit, North Salinas offers quieter streets, downtown centers provide quick access to amenities, and East Salinas presents more affordable options and diverse dining. Tip: start with a two-week trial in a couple of districts to gauge commute times, safety, and daily rhythms before signing a longer lease.