Cost of Living in Newport Beach, CA

Population 84,304 · California · Data vintage 2023

489
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Newport Beach cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $2 million, roughly 7 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.

Located 5 miles south of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 90% higher than Costa Mesa's $1.1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 656
Rent 239

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

About the Cost of Living in Newport Beach

The median home value in Newport Beach is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,146/month, 139% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $158,461/year is 112% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Newport Beach has a cost of living index of 489 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 389% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$2,000,001
556% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$3,569,308
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,146/mo
139% above avg
Zillow Rent
$4,075/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
53.0x
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 53.1%
Renter-occupied 46.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,146
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,760/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
25.1 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
27.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.9%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
27.1%

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
$158,461
112% above avg
Per Capita Income
$113,918
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
62.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.1%
Graduate degree 28.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46
Male median age 44.8
Female median age 47.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 33 — Good
88.5%
Good air days/yr
117
Max AQI recorded
127
PM2.5 days
236
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Newport Beach, CA?

Newport Beach has a cost index of 489 (100 = national average). It is 389% above the national average.

What is average rent in Newport Beach, CA?

The median gross rent in Newport Beach is $3,146 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Newport Beach?

The median home value in Newport Beach is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Newport Beach?

The median household income in Newport Beach is $158,461 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Newport Beach, CA?

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

Is Newport Beach, CA affordable?

Newport Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 489 — about 389% higher than the national average.