Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA (2026)

What it costs to live in Petaluma

Rent here is moderately above the national average — a one-bedroom averages $1,485, about 14% more than the U.S. median of $1,300. The median household income here is $115,430, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 15% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $878,600 is about 7.6× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. That's 158% above the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities here run about $313/month — 53% above the national average of $205, driven by local climate and energy rates. Overall prices in the area run 11% above the national level (BEA regional price parity index: 110.72). Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.