CaliforniaPop. 154,236Mid-size cities
Is Sunnyvale a Good Place to Live? Sunnyvale, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sunnyvale ranks #69 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($186,170, #1 of 256) and low poverty (5.8%, #19 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,801,800, #256 of 256) and high rents ($3,039/mo, #255 of 256).
Sunnyvale by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sunnyvale's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,039/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,994,916, 2.6 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Sunnyvale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 110.4#1104 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,994,916#1183 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,932/mo#1101 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,801,800#1305 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $3,039/mo#1294 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 9.7x#1277 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.6%#407 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sunnyvale housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sunnyvale is in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Sunnyvale safe?
Sunnyvale recorded 188 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 373 and 57% below California's 440. That ranks #329 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sunnyvale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,862 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Sunnyvale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 188#329 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,862#648 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sunnyvale?
The median household in Sunnyvale earns $186,170, 2.4 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Sunnyvale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $186,170#12 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.8%#160 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sunnyvale?
The median resident of Sunnyvale is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 69.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #56 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sunnyvale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 69.3%#56 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sunnyvale's schools and health?
Sunnyvale's 18 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.8 students per teacher and $22,337 spent per pupil. 19.7% of adults are obese and 8.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sunnyvale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.8#971 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $22,337#108 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 19.7%#18 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.3%#132 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.9%#56 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 5.2%#82 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,145 students are enrolled in Sunnyvale's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sunnyvale?
The average commute in Sunnyvale is 23 minutes (California 25.2); 3.9% of workers take transit and 29.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sunnyvale scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.2°F and winters 51.4°F, with 13.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sunnyvale | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 53.7% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 29.2% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59 | 42.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 61.8 | 44.5 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 65 | 46.7 | 2 |
| Apr | 68 | 48.9 | 1 |
| May | 71.7 | 52.5 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 75.9 | 55.7 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 76.9 | 58.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 76.9 | 59 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.7 | 57.3 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 53.1 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 65.5 | 46.3 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 58.9 | 42.1 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moffett Fed Airfield.
| Measure | Sunnyvale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 59.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.2°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 13.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Moffett Fed Airfield.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sunnyvale?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Sunnyvale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.41%#1234 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Santa Clara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Clara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.2% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0016% | 60% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sunnyvale compare with similar-size cities?
Sunnyvale is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #9 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 154,236.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #69 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 | 23 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #1186 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 | 20.2 min |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #413 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 | 24.2 min |
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #545 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sunnyvale compare with the rest of California?
Sunnyvale ranks #2 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 69.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2 times the California median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.6 times the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Sunnyvale among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Sunnyvale's score calculated?
Sunnyvale scores 69.3 out of 100, #69 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sunnyvale. Similar-size median 52.9.
87.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sunnyvale's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
81.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sunnyvale. Similar-size median 53.8.
87.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sunnyvale's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sunnyvale's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
17.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sunnyvale. Similar-size median 51.2.
94.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sunnyvale. Similar-size median 42.1.
49.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sunnyvale. Similar-size median 50.1.
70.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sunnyvale's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
26.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sunnyvale's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sunnyvale has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sunnyvale
Is Sunnyvale, CA a good place to live?
Sunnyvale ranks #69 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #9 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($186,170, #1 of 256) and low poverty (5.8%, #19 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($1,801,800, #256 of 256) and high rents ($3,039/mo, #255 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,039/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,994,916, 2.6 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale recorded 188 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 373 and 57% below California's 440. That ranks #329 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sunnyvale Police Department. Property crime runs 1,862 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Sunnyvale?
The median household in Sunnyvale earns $186,170, 2.4 times the US figure of $76,827 and 2 times California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,039/mo (Census), #1294 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,932/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sunnyvale?
Zillow's typical home value in Sunnyvale is $1,994,916, up 1.2% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,801,800.
How are the public schools in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale's 18 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (California 85%), with 20.8 students per teacher and $22,337 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sunnyvale?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale averages 59.9°F over the year, 67.2°F in summer and 51.4°F in winter, with 13.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sunnyvale walkable?
Sunnyvale scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sunnyvale at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sunnyvale?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale has 154,236 residents. The median resident of Sunnyvale is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 69.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #56 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sunnyvale compare with the rest of California?
Sunnyvale ranks #2 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 69.3 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 2 times the California median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.6 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Sunnyvale?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sunnyvale's population of 154,236 are Lakewood, CO (#775 overall), Macon, GA (#1272 overall), Kansas City, KS (#1185 overall), Hollywood, FL (#995 overall), and Surprise, AZ (#391 overall). Sunnyvale is #69.