Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA
Salary And Cost Of Living In Manhattan Beach CA
Located along Southern California’s scenic coastline, Manhattan Beach, CA is known for its upscale beach lifestyle, excellent schools, and vibrant downtown. However, with its desirability comes a higher price tag. Understanding the salary expectations and the cost of living in Manhattan Beach, California is essential for professionals, families, and retirees considering a move. In the following sections, we will explore average salaries, living expenses, home values, rental costs, top neighborhoods, and schools to give you a clear picture of what life in Manhattan Beach, CA really costs.
Average Salary In Manhattan Beach CA
Given its proximity to Los Angeles’ major employment hubs and Silicon Beach, Manhattan Beach, CA offers competitive salaries across a range of industries, particularly in technology, finance, entertainment, and professional services. Many residents are executives, entrepreneurs, or high-earning professionals who commute to nearby business centers or work remotely.
The table below provides an overview of estimated average annual salaries in Manhattan Beach, CA for common roles and industries:
| Job Title / Category (Manhattan Beach CA) | Estimated Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $125,000 – $165,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $95,000 – $135,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $80,000 – $115,000 |
| Registered Nurse | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| High School Teacher | $75,000 – $105,000 |
| Sales Professional (Corporate/B2B) | $85,000 – $150,000+ (with commissions) |
| Small Business Owner (Local Services) | $80,000 – $180,000+ (highly variable) |
Overall, the median household income in Manhattan Beach, CA is significantly higher than both the California and U.S. averages. This elevated earning power helps many residents manage the area’s premium housing and lifestyle costs. Nevertheless, potential newcomers should carefully evaluate how their specific career and income level align with the local cost of living.
Cost Of Living In Manhattan Beach CA
The cost of living in Manhattan Beach, California is among the highest in the region, driven primarily by housing, property taxes, and lifestyle-related expenses. Everyday costs such as groceries, dining out, health care, and transportation also trend above the national average, reflecting the city’s affluent coastal setting.
Below is a comparative look at key living expenses in Manhattan Beach, CA versus the U.S. baseline (indexed at 100):
| Expense Category | Manhattan Beach CA Index | U.S. Average Index |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost Of Living | 200 – 230 | 100 |
| Housing Costs | 350 – 400 | 100 |
| Groceries | 120 – 130 | 100 |
| Transportation | 120 – 135 | 100 |
| Health Care | 110 – 120 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 – 105 | 100 |
| Dining & Entertainment | 130 – 150 | 100 |
As this comparison shows, housing is by far the biggest cost driver in Manhattan Beach, CA. However, many residents consider the investment worthwhile due to the city’s walkable downtown, clean beaches, robust community services, and high-ranking schools. Prospective residents should build a realistic budget that accounts not only for housing, but also for insurance, commuting, childcare, and recreational spending.
Average Home Values And Rents In Manhattan Beach CA
The real estate market in Manhattan Beach, CA is highly competitive and consistently ranks among the most expensive in Los Angeles County. Stunning ocean views, highly rated schools, and limited inventory keep demand strong for both buyers and renters.
The following table summarizes typical home values and rental prices in Manhattan Beach, California based on property type:
| Property Type (Manhattan Beach CA) | Typical Purchase Price | Typical Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment/Condo | $900,000 – $1,300,000 | $3,000 – $4,200 |
| 2-Bedroom Condo/Townhome | $1,300,000 – $2,000,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Single-Family Home (3–4 Bedrooms) | $2,000,000 – $4,000,000+ | $6,000 – $10,000+ |
| Luxury/Oceanfront Property | $4,000,000 – $10,000,000+ | $10,000 – $25,000+ (premium leases) |
To illustrate the difference between buying and renting in Manhattan Beach, CA, the chart below provides a simple comparison of estimated average monthly housing payments for mid-range properties:
| Housing Option | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Renting 2-Bedroom Condo | $4,500 – $5,500 |
| Mortgage For 2-Bedroom Condo (20% Down) | $6,500 – $8,000+ (including taxes & insurance) |
| Renting 3–4 Bedroom Home | $7,500 – $9,500 |
| Mortgage For 3–4 Bedroom Home (20% Down) | $10,000 – $14,000+ (including taxes & insurance) |
Given these figures, many new residents of Manhattan Beach, CA choose to rent first to get a feel for different neighborhoods and to better understand local market dynamics before committing to a purchase.
Best Neighborhoods In Manhattan Beach CA
Choosing the right neighborhood is essential for matching your lifestyle and budget in Manhattan Beach, CA. The city is divided into several distinct areas, each with unique features and housing options. Below is an overview of some of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach, California:
| Neighborhood | Key Features | Typical Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Section | Closest to the beach and pier, walkable to downtown Manhattan Beach CA, high-end townhomes and beach houses, vibrant nightlife and dining. | Very High – premium pricing, especially for ocean-view properties. |
| Tree Section | Charming tree-lined streets, larger lots, family-friendly vibe, easy access to parks and schools, more traditional single-family homes. | High – luxury single-family homes with strong resale value. |
| Hill Section | Elevated lots with panoramic ocean and city views, spacious custom homes, quiet residential atmosphere. | Very High – among the most exclusive areas in Manhattan Beach CA. |
| Manhattan Village | Gated community, planned development, proximity to Manhattan Village shopping center, townhomes and single-family homes, convenient freeway access. | Upper Mid to High – relatively more predictable pricing for the area. |
| East Manhattan Beach | More suburban feel, larger lots, good access to local schools, parks, and sports facilities, slightly more attainable pricing. | Mid to High – still expensive, but often lower than beachfront neighborhoods. |
Each neighborhood in Manhattan Beach, California offers a unique balance between price, proximity to the ocean, lot size, and community amenities. Working with a local real estate professional can help you navigate these options and select the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Schools In Manhattan Beach CA
One of the primary reasons families are drawn to Manhattan Beach, CA is the high quality of the local schools. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) is widely recognized for its strong academic performance, engaged parent community, and extensive extracurricular programs.
The table below highlights some of the key public schools serving Manhattan Beach, California:
| School | Level | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Beach Preschool Programs | Preschool | Early childhood education with focus on social and academic readiness. |
| Grand View Elementary School | Elementary | Strong test scores, active PTA, emphasis on STEAM and community involvement. |
| Pacific Elementary School | Elementary | Highly rated academics, enrichment programs, and neighborhood engagement. |
| Meadows & Pennekamp Elementary Schools | Elementary | Well-regarded for academic rigor, arts programs, and supportive staff. |
| Manhattan Beach Middle School | Middle | Comprehensive curriculum, strong athletics, and performing arts opportunities. |
| Mira Costa High School | High | Consistently high graduation and college acceptance rates, award-winning music, athletics, and advanced placement courses. |
Beyond public schools, Manhattan Beach, CA and the surrounding South Bay area also offer several private and parochial schools, providing additional educational options for families with specific academic or religious preferences.
Living Comfortably In Manhattan Beach CA
In summary, living in Manhattan Beach, California provides access to a coastal lifestyle that blends luxury, community, and convenience. However, this quality of life comes at a premium, with high housing costs and a cost of living well above the national average. To live comfortably in Manhattan Beach, CA, most households rely on incomes that are significantly higher than regional and national norms.
For those who can align their salary potential with the area’s cost of living, Manhattan Beach, CA offers exceptional benefits: top-tier schools, a safe and walkable environment, proximity to major employment centers, and year-round outdoor recreation. By understanding average salaries, real estate prices, neighborhood characteristics, and school options, you can make a well-informed decision about whether Manhattan Beach, California is the right place for your next chapter.
Living in Manhattan Beach, CA: Frequently Asked Questions
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