Cost of Living in Vallejo, CA
Vallejo, CA — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in Vallejo, CA to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Prices in Vallejo, CA vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.5 | +8.5% |
| Housing | 142.0 | +42.0% |
| Goods | 105.2 | +5.2% |
| Utilities | 155.0 | +55.0% |
| Other services | 100.3 | +0.3% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in Vallejo, CA
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,567 | $62,680/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,705 | $68,200/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,178 | $87,120/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,911 | $116,440/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,297 | $131,880/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Take-home pay in Vallejo, CA
- Federal income tax$4,854
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,634
- Medicare (1.45%)$850
- California income tax$1,567
- CA State Disability Insurance (SDI)$762
- Take-home pay$46,952
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 6.00% state
Highest-paying jobs in Vallejo, CA
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $203,290 | $134,031 | $123,555 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver | $61,540 | $49,085 | $45,249 |
| Office Clerks, General | $49,780 | $40,495 | $37,330 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $45,660 | $37,459 | $34,531 |
| Stocker and Order Filler | $44,300 | $36,438 | $33,590 |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker | $44,110 | $36,295 | $33,458 |
| Retail Salesperson | $38,420 | $32,025 | $29,522 |
| Cashier | $37,810 | $31,567 | $29,100 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $34,320 | $28,948 | $26,685 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vallejo, CA expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the Vallejo, CA metro area are 108.5% of the U.S. average, with housing at 142.0%. It is the #18 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in Vallejo, CA?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $65,087 in Vallejo, CA (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $58,620.
How much is rent in Vallejo, CA?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for Vallejo, CA are $1,567 for a studio, $1,705 for one bedroom, $2,178 for two bedrooms and $2,911 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
Top salaries by field in Vallejo, CA
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
- Registered Nurse — $203,290
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $34,320
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
- Fast Food and Counter Worker — $44,110
Sales and Related Occupations
- Retail Salesperson — $38,420
- Cashier — $37,810
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
- Office Clerks, General — $49,780
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver — $61,540
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $45,660
- Stocker and Order Filler — $44,300