Cost of Living in Laguna Hills, CA

Population 30,921 · California · Data vintage 2023

266
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Laguna Hills's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $944,000 for a typical home, 210% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $122,778 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 7 miles southeast of Irvine, Laguna Hills falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 310
Rent 200

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

About the Cost of Living in Laguna Hills

The median home value in Laguna Hills is $944,000 — 210% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,622/month, 100% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $122,778/year is 65% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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%. Overall, Laguna Hills has a cost of living index of 266 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 166% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$944,000
210% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,208,364
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,622/mo
100% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,007/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.0x
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 71.4%
Renter-occupied 28.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,622
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,236/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
27.4 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.8%
Carpooled
8.3%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
19.9%

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
$122,778
65% above avg
Per Capita Income
$67,319
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
30% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Labor Force Participation
66.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.6%
Graduate degree 18.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 41.7
Female median age 44.3

💨 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 Laguna Hills, CA?

Laguna Hills has a cost index of 266 (100 = national average). It is 166% above the national average.

What is average rent in Laguna Hills, CA?

The median gross rent in Laguna Hills is $2,622 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Laguna Hills?

The median home value in Laguna Hills is $944,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Laguna Hills?

The median household income in Laguna Hills is $122,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Laguna Hills, CA?

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

Is Laguna Hills, CA affordable?

Laguna Hills is above average in cost of living, with an index of 266 — about 166% higher than the national average.