Taxes in Santa Cruz, California
Complete tax guide for Santa Cruz, CA. State income tax up to 9.3%, 0.77% property tax, 8.1% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
9.3%
California
Property Tax
0.77%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.1%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Santa Cruz, CA Tax Overview
Population
64,608
Median Income
$82,300
Cost of Living
152.1 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
9.3%
Median Home Price
$684,000
Santa Cruz Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Santa Cruz median: $82,300
Total Tax Burden in Santa Cruz
$23,670
Take-Home: $58,630 · Effective Rate: 28.76%
Federal Tax
$9,720
11.81% eff.
CA State
$7,654
9.30% eff.
FICA
$6,296
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$58,630
71.24% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $82,300.00 | $6,858.33 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$9,720.00 | -$810.00 |
| California State Tax | -$7,653.90 | -$637.83 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$5,102.60 | -$425.22 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,193.35 | -$99.45 |
| Take-Home Pay | $58,630.15 | $4,885.85 |
Property Tax in Santa Cruz
Median Home
$684,000
Annual Tax
$5,267
Monthly Tax
$439
Effective Rate
0.77%
Sales Tax in Santa Cruz
Combined Rate
8.1%
State Portion
~5.6%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Santa Cruz is 8.1%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.10 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Santa Cruz | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.77% | ~0.77% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.1% | ~8.1% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Santa Cruz Residents
- California's income tax rate of 9.3% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Santa Cruz (0.77%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.1% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
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See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz, California has a state income tax rate up to 9.3%. The property tax rate is 0.77% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.1%.
How much is property tax in Santa Cruz?
The effective property tax rate in Santa Cruz is 0.77%. On the median home price of $684,000, this equals approximately $5,267 per year or $439 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Santa Cruz?
The combined sales tax rate in Santa Cruz is 8.1%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Santa Cruz's tax burden compare to other cities?
Santa Cruz has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 33.4%. The combination of 9.3% state income tax, 0.77% property tax, and 8.1% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 152.1 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 9.3%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare).