What is the Real Cost of Living in Danville?

Danville is a picturesque, affluent community nestled just east of San Francisco. This town perfectly blends small-town hospitality and vibrant amenities, making it a fantastic place to call home. Homes for sale in Danville range from gorgeous Mediterranean estates to sprawling ranch homes. The residential streets offer plenty of space and privacy, making Danville a tranquil gem of Contra Costa County.

As a community, Danville has a fairly high population density, with over 40,000 residents living in this 18-square-mile town. With tons of open space, parks, and preserves, there are lots of places around Danville for hiking and biking. The town is home to plenty of spots for active residents, boasting everything from country club golf courses to rugby leagues. And the historic, quaint downtown lined with eateries and boutiques is utterly charming.

If you are considering moving to this community, looking at the cost of living in Danville is key before purchasing a home. Life in Danville can be expensive compared to other areas across the country. This article will compare Danville residents' cost of living across several housing and lifestyle categories.

The largest determining factor when looking at the cost of living in a community is housing prices. Danville home prices are among the highest in the nation. The median price for a single-family residence in the town is $1,372,564, which places it in the highest bracket of home prices as determined by Dwellics. Compared to the national average, homes in Danville are 233% more expensive. Homeowners in Danville also pay a reasonable property tax rate of 0.9% as of 2023.

In Danville, most people own their homes. Only 15% of residents in Danville rent the residence where they are currently living. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Danville is $2,685 but can vary greatly depending on location.

Common monthly utility costs include electricity, phone, water, sewer, trash and recycling, gas, and internet. These monthly costs can vary greatly depending on the climate, size of the home, and personal usage habits. Danville residents can expect to pay about $209 for their monthly electric bill, which is 24% higher than the national average. And thanks to the warm, dry summers in Danville, water costs are higher than the national average.

Most households in Danville have access to both a computer and high-speed broadband internet, which are vital utilities as more people use online tools for work and leisure. The average cost of a monthly high-speed internet plan in Danville is $50.75 for a basic package. This is slightly lower than the national average for a high-speed internet plan.

Danville has a thriving foodie scene and has several upscale eateries in its historic downtown district. Meals at one of these high-end restaurants can range from $35 to $50 per person, which is similar to many affluent towns in the Tri-Valley area. There are also several more casual restaurants and food trucks where meals can be had for less than $10 per person, making them a great spot for a quick bite.

The town is home to several national and local grocers and food shops. Residents can find everything they need for culinary masterpieces at these stores, but the prices are a bit higher than in the rest of the country. Grocery prices in Danville are 30% higher than the national average.

For active residents, there is so much to do in this gorgeous community. For little to no cost, residents can use the hiking and biking trails that wind through the area. Popular trails around Danville include Castle Rock Trail and many of the loops around Mount Diablo.

If locals want a more organized approach to fitness, there are several facilities, including gyms and athletic clubs, in Danville. The average cost for a monthly membership to a fitness club is $49 per person, and specialized classes like CrossFit or Barre can be upwards of $100 per month.

Transportation for work, recreation, and leisure is factored into the cost of living score. Danville is a car-dependent city, according to data gathered by WalkScore. The data collection group rates communities on how easy it is to access amenities from residential areas. With a top score of 100, WalkScore gives cities a score to rate the walkability of residents. Danville has a walkability score of 25, meaning most errands require a car. The bike score for Danville, determined by the biking infrastructure in the community, is 34, meaning the city is somewhat bikeable but has minimal infrastructure.

With most errands and commutes requiring a car, residents of Danville need to determine transit costs when looking at the overall cost of living. The average commute time for Danville residents is over 31 minutes. And currently, gas is averaging $4.65 per gallon. Residents wishing to save on gas can utilize carpool lots or the public transport system. Public transportation options include the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) with a County Connection station in Danville. The average cost for a monthly transit pass is $60, and residents can also purchase parking punch cards.

For families, childcare is a factor when determining the total cost of living. Private, full-day preschool for a single child averages $1,232.50 per month. Danville is part of the highly-rated San Ramon Valley Unified School District and has excellent local public schools. Families looking into private, full-day primary school can expect to pay about $13,500 for annual tuition per child.

The median household income in Danville is $181,453, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2017 to 2021. Per capita, the average income for individuals living in Danville is $89,710. Both of these figures place the average salary for Danville residents well above the national average of $69,021 per capita.

Living in Danville can be expensive. According to PayScale, the cost of living in Danville is 95% higher than the national average. However, residents of this charming suburban town find the upscale amenities, natural beauty, excellent schools, and gorgeous homes are well worth it to live in Danville.

 

The McDowell Homes Group has over 20 years of combined experience helping buyers find the perfect home in the Tri-Valley area. Their expertise in the Danville real estate market is unmatched, and they have an elevated service plan for a complete concierge experience for buyers and sellers. Contact their team to learn more about the Danville lifestyle and to find your Tri-Valley dream home.