California / Monterey County

Moving to Monterey, CA

Thinking of making a move to Monterey, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Monterey, CA

Considering a move to Monterey, CA? This welcoming community of 29,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,050,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (68% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Monterey's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Monterey, CA

Monterey has a population of 29,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 68% White, 3% Black, and 13% Asian residents, and over 24% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
29,500
Density
7,300 per sq mi
Median Age
38.7
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
24.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
68.0%
Black
2.8%
Asian
12.6%
Others
16.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Monterey, CA?

The cost of living in Monterey is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 165.4. Median home values are around $1,050,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,050,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
165.4
Grocery
121.0
Housing
255.0
Utilities
117.5
Transportation
132.0
Health Care
115.2
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Monterey, CA a safe place to live?

Monterey is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 49. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,050
Crime Index
2,360
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 49

Weather

What is the weather like in Monterey, CA year-round?

Monterey experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 72°F and cold winters dipping to 45°F. The area receives about 19 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 68% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
45°F
Max
60°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
72°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
18.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
68%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $94,000 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$72,500
Household Income
$94,000
Family Income
$108,000
Per Capita Income
$46,800
Income Male
$61,000
Income Female
$52,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
27.0%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
11.5%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
41.0%

Education

How are the schools in Monterey, CA?

Monterey offers quality education options, with public schools like Walter Colton Middle School and Monterey High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including MPC - Monterey Peninsula College and Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Walter Colton Middle School
Street
980 Lowell St
Phone
831-753-5700
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
19.1
Name
Monterey High School
Street
101 Herrmann Dr
Phone
831-646-6535
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
20.0

Private Schools

Name
Trinity Christian School
Street
852 W Laurel Dr
Phone
831-373-7272
Students
210
Name
Carden Academy of Monterey
Street
299 Foam St
Phone
831-646-1880
Students
135

Colleges

Name
MPC - Monterey Peninsula College
City
Monterey
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
11,000
Name
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
City
Monterey
State
CA
Distance
1 mile
Students
1,300

Healthcare

Monterey residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Monterey VA Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 93.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Monterey VA Clinic
Address
3401 Engineering Dr, Monterey, CA 93943
Phone
(831) 647-7895
Type
Outpatient
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
93.5%
Health Care Index
78.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Monterey, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Monterey offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Monterey handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Monterey, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Monterey, review the core fields on this page: population 29,500, median home value $1,050,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 68%.

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