Cost of Living in Lake Forest, CA
Population 85,846 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Lake Forest sits 187% above the national median — $876,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $131,378 (76% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Geographically, Lake Forest sits roughly 6 miles east of Irvine. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Forest
The median home value in Lake Forest is $876,300 — 187% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,616/month, 99% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $131,378/year is 76% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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, Lake Forest has a cost of living index of 252 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 152% 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 Lake Forest, CA?
Lake Forest has a cost index of 252 (100 = national average). It is 152% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Forest, CA?
The median gross rent in Lake Forest is $2,616 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Forest?
The median home value in Lake Forest is $876,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Forest?
The median household income in Lake Forest is $131,378 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Forest, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Forest is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lake Forest, CA affordable?
Lake Forest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 252 — about 152% higher than the national average.
Lake Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 85,846
- Median Income
- $131,378
- Home Value
- $876,300
- Median Rent
- $2,616/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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