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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,071 (excluding rent), and $2,745 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,408 (excluding rent), and $5,216 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.77 $19.77

$14.83 $14.83

$44.49 $44.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$60.2 $60.2

$50.1 $50.1

$201 $201

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$15.24 $15.24

$12.19 $12.19

$20.32 $20.32

Cappuccino

$5.1 $5.1

$4.08 $4.08

$6.12 $6.12

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

$2.57 $2.57

$1.98 $1.98

$3.95 $3.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.81 $1.81

$1.01 $1.01

$5.03 $5.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.41 $7.41

$2.96 $2.96

$9.88 $9.88

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.1 $8.1

$7.09 $7.09

$12.15 $12.15

Milk (1 liter)

$1.48 $1.48

$0.91 $0.91

$1.79 $1.79

White Bread (500g)

$4.9 $4.9

$2.81 $2.81

$6.16 $6.16

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.74 $6.74

$1.43 $1.43

$11.05 $11.05

Eggs

$6.08 $6.08

$3.97 $3.97

$9.11 $9.11

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.47 $13.47

$53.9 $53.9

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.94 $11.94

$6.51 $6.51

$26.04 $26.04

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$23.75 $23.75

$15.35 $15.35

$32.89 $32.89

Apples (1kg)

$6.39 $6.39

$3.21 $3.21

$6.39 $6.39

Banana (1kg)

$2.78 $2.78

$1.18 $1.18

$4.27 $4.27

Oranges (1kg)

$5.17 $5.17

$0.99 $0.99

$6.51 $6.51

Tomato (1kg)

$6.71 $6.71

$2.03 $2.03

$8.93 $8.93

Potato (1kg)

$3.37 $3.37

$0.89 $0.89

$3.37 $3.37

Onion (1kg)

$3.23 $3.23

$1.96 $1.96

$4.29 $4.29

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.54 $1.54

$4.1 $4.1

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.23 $1.23

$4.1 $4.1

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.78 $8.78

$9.81 $9.81

Wine (Bottle)

$15.15 $15.15

$8.07 $8.07

$15.66 $15.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.4 $1.4

$4.2 $4.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.29 $3.29

$1.51 $1.51

$5.03 $5.03

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.21 $1.21

$1.94 $1.94

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.08 $4.08

$3.68 $3.68

$4.08 $4.08

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.88 $1.88

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$38.64 $38.64

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.21 $1.21

$1.06 $1.06

$1.55 $1.55

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

$29.9K $29.9K

$23.6K $23.6K

$36.2K $36.2K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$24.7K $24.7K

$26.7K $26.7K

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

$247 $247

$148 $148

$395 $395

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

$64.9 $64.9

$35.14 $35.14

$65.3 $65.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62.2 $62.2

$44.77 $44.77

$79.6 $79.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.89 $42.89

$17.45 $17.45

$49.87 $49.87

Cinema Ticket

$17.25 $17.25

$15.21 $15.21

$20.29 $20.29

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

$1,289 $1,289

$993 $993

$1,834 $1,834

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$38.1K $38.1K

$32.1K $32.1K

$45.1K $45.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$45.11 $45.11

$20.05 $20.05

$75.2 $75.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$45.68 $45.68

$29.79 $29.79

$69.5 $69.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$65.6 $65.6

$50.4 $50.4

$75.7 $75.7

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$151 $151

$50.8 $50.8

$153 $153

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,623 $1,623

$1,216 $1,216

$1,882 $1,882

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,345 $1,345

$993 $993

$1,490 $1,490

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,579 $2,579

$1,961 $1,961

$2,942 $2,942

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,186 $2,186

$1,672 $1,672

$2,459 $2,459

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,293 $2,293

$1,682 $1,682

$2,293 $2,293

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,117 $2,117

$1,729 $1,729

$2,117 $2,117

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,040 $5,040

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.36

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Stanford, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Stanford, CA, United States varies by neighborhood. Compared with larger metros, you may find value in quieter residential areas, good transit links, and access to top-tier services, which makes it appealing for longer stays if you plan ahead. For short visits, lodging near campus can be pricier, while staying a bit farther out often unlocks more flexible housing options and walkable conveniences. The value often shows in safety, reliability, and daily comfort rather than the lowest price tag. Tip: map your priorities (housing, meals, coworking) to balance costs.

Daily life around Stanford rewards planning more than chasing the lowest price. Start with housing: campus-adjacent options tend to be convenient but pricier; nearby towns offer more space and dining variety yet require a commute. For food, you’ll find quality groceries and a mix of casual eateries that suit short-term budgets and longer stays. Transport is straightforward – bike paths and reliable local buses help minimize car usage. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi can become your best work hubs, especially during peak hours. Stanford, CA, United States living cost is noticeably influenced by location, lifestyle, and your work rhythm. Tip: try a short trial in a few neighborhoods.

Quality of life in Stanford comes from balance and planning, not just prices. Build a budgeting framework around essential categories: housing, food, transit, and social activities. In practice, cluster expenses by season – summer may bring more outdoor options and higher activity costs, while winter utilities may shift. Neighborhood fit matters: campus-adjacent areas offer quick access to services and events, while nearby towns provide longer walks and quieter streets. Savings tactics include shared accommodations, library or campus facilities for events, and using public transport or bike sharing. Tip: set a monthly review habit to adjust plans as needs change.