Salary And Cost Of Living In Calabasas CA

Calabasas, CA, located in western Los Angeles County near the Santa Monica Mountains, has become synonymous with upscale living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. As more professionals, families, and remote workers consider relocating to this sought-after city, understanding the salary expectations and cost of living in Calabasas, CA is essential. From average wages to housing costs and school quality, several factors contribute to the overall affordability and lifestyle the city can offer.

Below, we explore the average salary in Calabasas, CA, overall cost of living, home values, rental prices, and the best neighborhoods and schools to help you make an informed decision about living or working in Calabasas.

Average Salary In Calabasas CA

The average salary in Calabasas, CA tends to be higher than both the California and national averages, reflecting the city’s affluent demographic and proximity to major employment hubs such as Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and the greater San Fernando Valley.

While actual wages vary by industry and experience level, professionals in technology, entertainment, finance, and healthcare often command particularly competitive compensation. Many residents also work in executive roles, creative industries, or own businesses that serve the local community.

Below is an illustrative salary overview for Calabasas, CA:

Role / Category	Approximate Annual Salary (Calabasas, CA)
Overall Average Salary	$80,000 – $95,000
Professional / Managerial Roles	$100,000 – $160,000
Administrative / Support Roles	$45,000 – $65,000
Retail / Service Sector	$35,000 – $50,000
Technology / Engineering	$110,000 – $175,000

Higher salaries in Calabasas, CA help offset the city’s elevated housing and lifestyle costs. However, it is important for newcomers to carefully compare potential income with projected monthly expenses to determine true affordability.

Cost Of Living In Calabasas CA

The cost of living in Calabasas, CA is significantly higher than the national average and well above many parts of California. This elevated cost is driven primarily by housing prices, but utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare also trend on the higher side due to the area’s desirable location and quality of services.

To better understand everyday expenses, review the comparative cost of living chart below, which uses an indexed scale where 100 equals the U.S. average:

Category	Calabasas, CA Index	U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living	180 – 200	100
Housing	250 – 300	100
Groceries	115 – 125	100
Transportation	115 – 130	100
Utilities	100 – 110	100
Healthcare	105 – 115	100

These estimates demonstrate that living in Calabasas, CA generally requires a higher income, especially for those who wish to own property. Nonetheless, many residents feel the cost is justified by the city’s safety, school quality, scenic surroundings, and convenient access to both natural recreation and urban amenities.

Average Home Values And Rents In Calabasas CA

The real estate market in Calabasas, CA is well known for its upscale homes, gated communities, and sizable lots. As a result, average home values in Calabasas, CA are considerably above state and national medians. Inventory can be limited, particularly in the most popular neighborhoods, which helps keep prices strong.

For those who are not yet ready to buy, the average rent in Calabasas, CA can also be high, but rental options range from luxury apartments to townhomes and single-family homes, offering some flexibility for different budgets.

Housing Type	Typical Price / Rent Range (Calabasas, CA)
Median Single-Family Home Value	$1,600,000 – $2,200,000+
Entry-Level Condo / Townhome	$750,000 – $1,100,000
Luxury Estate / Gated Community Home	$3,000,000 – $10,000,000+
Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,500 – $3,300 per month
Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$3,200 – $4,200 per month
Single-Family Home Rental	$4,500 – $8,000+ per month

Given these figures, housing will be the largest expense for most residents of Calabasas, CA. Prospective buyers and renters should factor in property taxes, HOA fees (common in gated communities), and insurance costs when determining their overall housing budget.

Best Neighborhoods In Calabasas CA

Calabasas features several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities, and price points. Many buyers and renters are drawn to the city’s gated communities, which offer privacy, security, and exclusive facilities such as clubhouses, pools, and private parks.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Calabasas, CA include:

Neighborhood	Key Features
Hidden Hills (adjacent, often associated with Calabasas)	Exclusive gated community, equestrian properties, celebrity homes, large lots, top-tier privacy.
The Oaks Of Calabasas	Prestigious guard-gated neighborhood, luxury estates, community amenities, strong appeal for high-income professionals.
Calabasas Park Estates	Golf course views, lake access in nearby areas, gated entrances, proximity to Calabasas Country Club.
Mulwood	More traditional suburban feel, relatively more accessible price points, close to highly rated schools.
Mont Calabasas & Mountain View Estates	Upscale gated communities with larger homes, scenic hillside views, family-friendly environment.

Choosing the right neighborhood in Calabasas, CA often depends on lifestyle preferences, budget constraints, commute requirements, and proximity to schools or recreational amenities such as hiking trails and parks.

Schools In Calabasas CA

One of the strongest attractions of living in Calabasas is the quality of its schools. The schools in Calabasas, CA are primarily served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), which is widely recognized for strong academic performance, college readiness, and robust extracurricular programs.

Families moving to the area often prioritize school ratings and district boundaries when selecting neighborhoods. Below is an overview of notable public schools commonly associated with Calabasas:

School	Level	Highlights
Calabasas High School	High School	Strong academics, Advanced Placement courses, arts and athletics programs, high college matriculation rates.
A.E. Wright Middle School	Middle School	Well-regarded academic programs, supportive environment, preparation for high school success.
Bay Laurel Elementary School	Elementary	High parent involvement, strong test scores, community-focused culture.
Lupin Hill Elementary School	Elementary	Well-rounded curriculum, emphasis on foundational skills and enrichment.
Chaparral Elementary School (nearby)	Elementary	Popular option with strong academic reputation and active PTA.

In addition to public options, families will find several private and independent schools within a reasonable drive, expanding the range of educational choices. The quality of schools in Calabasas, CA is a major contributor to the city’s strong real estate demand and overall desirability.

Living In Calabasas CA Is It Worth The Cost

When weighing the salary and cost of living in Calabasas, CA, it becomes clear that this city caters primarily to households with higher incomes or significant home equity. Elevated housing costs, premium amenities, and a high overall cost of living mean that careful financial planning is essential.

However, Calabasas, CA offers a compelling value proposition for those who can afford it: upscale neighborhoods, low crime rates, excellent schools, scenic beauty, and convenient access to both the beaches of Malibu and the employment centers of Los Angeles. For professionals, executives, and families seeking a refined suburban lifestyle with strong community appeal, Calabasas often justifies the higher price tag.

Ultimately, determining whether living in Calabasas, CA is “worth it” depends on your income, priorities, and long-term goals. By comparing your expected salary in Calabasas, CA with realistic housing and daily expenses, you can decide if this prestigious Southern California city aligns with both your financial plan and desired quality of life.