Cost of Living in Laguna Beach, CA
Population 22,777 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Laguna Beach's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $2 million sit roughly 7 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.
Located 9 miles south of Irvine, Laguna Beach falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laguna Beach
The median home value in Laguna Beach is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,802/month, 113% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,508/year is 88% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Laguna Beach has a cost of living index of 479 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 379% 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 Laguna Beach, CA?
Laguna Beach has a cost index of 479 (100 = national average). It is 379% above the national average.
What is average rent in Laguna Beach, CA?
The median gross rent in Laguna Beach is $2,802 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laguna Beach?
The median home value in Laguna Beach is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laguna Beach?
The median household income in Laguna Beach is $140,508 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laguna Beach, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laguna Beach is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Laguna Beach, CA affordable?
Laguna Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 479 — about 379% higher than the national average.
Laguna Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 22,777
- Median Income
- $140,508
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $2,802/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data