Cost of Living in Aliso Viejo, CA

Population 51,320 · California · Data vintage 2023

254
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Aliso Viejo's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $864,000 for a typical home, 183% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $137,970 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Geographically, Aliso Viejo sits roughly 7 miles southeast of Irvine. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 283
Rent 211

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Aliso Viejo

The median home value in Aliso Viejo is $863,800 — 183% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,774/month, 111% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $137,970/year is 85% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Aliso Viejo has a cost of living index of 254 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 154% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$863,800
183% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$988,114
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,774/mo
111% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,405/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 56.5%
Renter-occupied 43.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,774
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,388/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.2%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
23.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$137,970
85% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,689
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
23% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Labor Force Participation
74.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.2%
Graduate degree 20.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.6
Male median age 38.2
Female median age 39.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
43.8%
Good air days/yr
166
Max AQI recorded
204
PM2.5 days
142
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Aliso Viejo, CA?

Aliso Viejo has a cost index of 254 (100 = national average). It is 154% above the national average.

What is average rent in Aliso Viejo, CA?

The median gross rent in Aliso Viejo is $2,774 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Aliso Viejo?

The median home value in Aliso Viejo is $863,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Aliso Viejo?

The median household income in Aliso Viejo is $137,970 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Aliso Viejo, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Aliso Viejo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Aliso Viejo, CA affordable?

Aliso Viejo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 254 — about 154% higher than the national average.

Aliso Viejo at a Glance

Population
51,320
Median Income
$137,970
Home Value
$863,800
Median Rent
$2,774/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in California →
🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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