Cost of Living in Laguna Niguel, CA

Population 64,023 · 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

Laguna Niguel's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 268% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $140,605 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Laguna Niguel sits roughly 11 miles southeast of Irvine. Housing prices track closely with Irvine's $1.1 million median.

Cost Overview

Housing 368
Rent 215

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

About the Cost of Living in Laguna Niguel

The median home value in Laguna Niguel is $1,123,000 — 268% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,819/month, 115% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,605/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 Niguel has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,123,000
268% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,455,088
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,819/mo
115% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,200/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
33.2x
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 66.5%
Renter-occupied 33.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,819
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,433/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
28.5 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.6%
Carpooled
6.3%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
24.1%

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
$140,605
89% above avg
Per Capita Income
$77,246
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
39% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Labor Force Participation
65.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.5%
Graduate degree 24.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.7
Male median age 45.1
Female median age 49.3

💨 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 Niguel, CA?

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

What is average rent in Laguna Niguel, CA?

The median gross rent in Laguna Niguel is $2,819 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Laguna Niguel?

The median home value in Laguna Niguel is $1,123,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Laguna Niguel?

The median household income in Laguna Niguel is $140,605 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Laguna Niguel, CA?

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

Is Laguna Niguel, CA affordable?

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