Cost of Living in Ladera Ranch, CA

Population 23,609 · California · Data vintage 2023

307
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ladera Ranch's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 243% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $184,257 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Located 12 miles southeast of Irvine, Ladera Ranch falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Irvine's $1.1 million median.

Cost Overview

Housing 343
Rent 254

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

About the Cost of Living in Ladera Ranch

The median home value in Ladera Ranch is $1,046,600 — 243% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,331/month, 154% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $184,257/year is 147% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Ladera Ranch has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,046,600
243% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,366,116
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,331/mo
154% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,277/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.2x
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 74.1%
Renter-occupied 25.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,331
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,945/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
29.8 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.0%
Carpooled
3.1%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
25.2%

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
$184,257
147% above avg
Per Capita Income
$74,419
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
32% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
71.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 40.9%
Graduate degree 24.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.3
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 36

💨 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 Ladera Ranch, CA?

Ladera Ranch has a cost index of 307 (100 = national average). It is 207% above the national average.

What is average rent in Ladera Ranch, CA?

The median gross rent in Ladera Ranch is $3,331 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ladera Ranch?

The median home value in Ladera Ranch is $1,046,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ladera Ranch?

The median household income in Ladera Ranch is $184,257 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ladera Ranch, CA?

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

Is Ladera Ranch, CA affordable?

Ladera Ranch is above average in cost of living, with an index of 307 — about 207% higher than the national average.