2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Mill Valley, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Palo Alto or is it cheaper to live in Mill Valley?
- Palo Alto is 0.4% more expensive than Mill Valley.

Which city has more affordable housing, Palo Alto or Mill Valley?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 82.0% more expensive than Mill Valley housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Mill Valley or is Health Care more affordable in Palo Alto.
- Health related expenses are 2.2% less in Palo Alto.
 Mill Valley, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock231.0100
 Food & Groceries117.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.7100
 Housing626.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$3,107,600$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock140.6100
 Miscellaneous164.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Mill Valley    7 Reviews

I lived in southern Marin County for 20 years and lived it. Just moved  More

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Over 15 years ago

Mill Valley is a perfect place to live and raise a family, if you don't mind a cost of living index of 233. Don't distress - go mountain biking or hiking with  More

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Over 16 years ago

Good weather all year around. Great public schools. Cost of living very high. Crime low wonderful outdoor activities nearby like hiking, beaches,  More

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Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

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Over 17 years ago

Very  More

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Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

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