Cost of Living in Buena Park, CA

Population 83,052 · California · Data vintage 2023

216
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Buena Park run well above the national baseline, with a median of $772,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $108,187 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Located 5 miles west of Fullerton, Buena Park falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Fullerton's $860,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 253
Rent 161

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

About the Cost of Living in Buena Park

The median home value in Buena Park is $771,900 — 153% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,112/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,187/year is 45% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 76.4°F and lows of 56.0°F. Overall, Buena Park has a cost of living index of 216 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 116% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$771,900
153% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$924,047
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,112/mo
61% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,878/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.5x
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 56.1%
Renter-occupied 43.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,112
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,726/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
32.1 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.8%
Carpooled
11.7%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
9.8%

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
$108,187
45% above avg
Per Capita Income
$38,689
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
11% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
68.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.4%
Graduate degree 9.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 36.8
Female median age 38.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.4°F
Avg Low
56.0°F
Annual Precip
11.9"
40° 53° 65° 78° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 696971747679848785807468
Low °F 464852545863666665585146
Precip" 2.853.021.740.590.300.080.020.020.140.500.741.86

💨 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 Buena Park, CA?

Buena Park has a cost index of 216 (100 = national average). It is 116% above the national average.

What is average rent in Buena Park, CA?

The median gross rent in Buena Park is $2,112 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Buena Park?

The median home value in Buena Park is $771,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Buena Park?

The median household income in Buena Park is $108,187 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Buena Park, CA?

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

Is Buena Park, CA affordable?

Buena Park is above average in cost of living, with an index of 216 — about 116% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Buena Park?

Buena Park has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 56.0°F. Annual precipitation is 11.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Buena Park at a Glance

Population
83,052
Median Income
$108,187
Home Value
$771,900
Median Rent
$2,112/mo
Unemployment
5.3%
Avg High Temp
76.4°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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