Cost of Living in Mission Viejo, CA
Population 92,415 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Mission Viejo sits 210% above the national median — $946,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $136,071 (82% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 8 miles southeast of Irvine, Mission Viejo falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mission Viejo
The median home value in Mission Viejo is $946,300 — 210% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,713/month, 106% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $136,071/year is 82% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Mission Viejo has a cost of living index of 269 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 169% 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 Mission Viejo, CA?
Mission Viejo has a cost index of 269 (100 = national average). It is 169% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mission Viejo, CA?
The median gross rent in Mission Viejo is $2,713 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mission Viejo?
The median home value in Mission Viejo is $946,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mission Viejo?
The median household income in Mission Viejo is $136,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mission Viejo, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mission Viejo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Mission Viejo, CA affordable?
Mission Viejo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 269 — about 169% higher than the national average.
Mission Viejo at a Glance
- Population
- 92,415
- Median Income
- $136,071
- Home Value
- $946,300
- Median Rent
- $2,713/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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