Cost of Living in Brea, CA
Population 47,337 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Brea run well above the national baseline, with a median of $874,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $124,837 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, Brea sits roughly 5 miles northeast of Fullerton. Housing prices track closely with Fullerton's $860,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brea
The median home value in Brea is $874,300 — 187% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,285/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $124,837/year is 67% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above 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, Brea has a cost of living index of 242 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 142% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brea, CA?
Brea has a cost index of 242 (100 = national average). It is 142% above the national average.
What is average rent in Brea, CA?
The median gross rent in Brea is $2,285 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brea?
The median home value in Brea is $874,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brea?
The median household income in Brea is $124,837 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brea, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brea is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Brea, CA affordable?
Brea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 242 — about 142% higher than the national average.
Brea at a Glance
- Population
- 47,337
- Median Income
- $124,837
- Home Value
- $874,300
- Median Rent
- $2,285/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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