Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Monterey, CA
Thinking of moving to Monterey, CA? This scenic coastal city has a population of 29,832 and boasts a mild climate with 87% sunny days. Housing can be pricey, with a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rents around $2,350, but residents enjoy short commute times (18 minutes) and excellent educational opportunities. Monterey's low violent crime rate (223 per 100K), vibrant arts and culture scene, and high educational attainment make it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching lifestyle on California's coast.
Demographics - Monterey, CA
Demographics - Monterey, CA
Monterey is home to nearly 30,000 residents, with a population density of 3,350 per square mile and a median age of 38.4 years. The city is diverse, primarily White (63.5%) with significant Hispanic or Latino (22.8%) and Asian (8.2%) communities, and about a quarter of locals speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and multicultural mix create a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
29,832
Density:
3,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
8.2%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Monterey, CA?
Living in Monterey comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rents around $2,350 per month. The overall cost of living index is 176.4, driven largely by expensive housing, while utilities and groceries remain closer to national averages. Prospective residents should budget for higher expenses, especially in housing and transportation.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$810
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
176.4
Grocery:
123.5
Housing:
292.0
Utilities:
102.7
Transportation:
132.4
Health Care:
112.1
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Monterey, CA a safe place to live?
Monterey offers a relatively safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,347 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 449, providing peace of mind for families and individuals. Property crimes are more common, but overall, the city maintains a reputation for safety compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
223
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,347
Crime Index:
2,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 449
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Monterey, CA year-round?
Monterey enjoys a mild coastal climate, with winter lows around 44°F and summer highs rarely exceeding 70°F. The city receives about 21.6 inches of rain annually and boasts an impressive 87% of days with sunshine. Year-round moderate temperatures and abundant sun make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
87%
Neighbors
Residents of Monterey benefit from a median household income of $91,278 and a family income of $117,450, supporting a comfortable lifestyle despite higher living costs. The area is highly educated, with over 53% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and commute times average just 18 minutes. A poverty rate of 10.5% and low unemployment help foster a stable, vibrant community.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$91,278
Family Income:
$117,450
Per Capita Income:
$49,225
Income Male:
$55,200
Income Female:
$45,800
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
24.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.9%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
53.8%
Education
How are the schools in Monterey, CA?
Monterey offers strong educational opportunities through well-regarded public schools like Monterey High School and Colton Middle School, as well as prominent private schools. Higher education is easily accessible, with Monterey Peninsula College and the Naval Postgraduate School located within the city. High rates of educational attainment contribute to the city’s reputation as a hub for lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Monterey High School
Street:
101 Herrmann Dr
Phone:
831-392-3801
Students:
1,080
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Colton Middle School
Street:
1004 David Ave
Phone:
831-645-1294
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Private Schools
Name:
Santa Catalina School
Street:
1500 Mark Thomas Dr
Phone:
831-655-9300
Students:
460
Colleges
Name:
Monterey Peninsula College
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,300
Name:
Naval Postgraduate School
City:
Monterey
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Monterey provides excellent healthcare access, anchored by the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, offering full emergency services. With 2.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% health insurance coverage, the city ensures quality medical care is readily available. The healthcare index score of 77.3 reflects strong local resources for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Address:
23625 Holman Hwy, Monterey, CA 93940
Phone:
(831) 624-5311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Monterey, CA?
The Monterey housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,350. Only about 40% of homes are owner-occupied, and a steady appreciation rate of 3.7% signals ongoing demand. Rental vacancies remain moderate at 6.1%, making both buying and renting viable but premium options.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Monterey are managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in nearby Salinas. Residents can access DMV services both online and in person, ensuring convenience for all motor vehicle needs. For more information, visit the official California DMV website or call their helpline.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
260 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.