Cost of Living in Laguna Woods, CA
Population 17,342 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 75, Laguna Woods functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $365,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Laguna Woods sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Irvine — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 67% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laguna Woods
The median home value in Laguna Woods is $364,900 — 20% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,232/month, 70% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,235/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 Woods has a cost of living index of 140 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% 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 Woods, CA?
Laguna Woods has a cost index of 140 (100 = national average). It is 40% above the national average.
What is average rent in Laguna Woods, CA?
The median gross rent in Laguna Woods is $2,232 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laguna Woods?
The median home value in Laguna Woods is $364,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laguna Woods?
The median household income in Laguna Woods is $60,235 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laguna Woods, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laguna Woods is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Laguna Woods, CA affordable?
Laguna Woods is above average in cost of living, with an index of 140 — about 40% higher than the national average.
Laguna Woods at a Glance
- Population
- 17,342
- Median Income
- $60,235
- Home Value
- $364,900
- Median Rent
- $2,232/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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