Cost of Living in Placentia, CA

Population 52,384 · California · Data vintage 2023

240
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Placentia run well above the national baseline, with a median of $871,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $110,575 place the city among the better-paid California metros.

Located <5 miles east of Fullerton, Placentia falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Fullerton's $860,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 286
Rent 173

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

About the Cost of Living in Placentia

The median home value in Placentia is $871,000 — 186% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,267/month, 73% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,575/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Placentia has a cost of living index of 240 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 140% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$871,000
186% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,094,721
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,267/mo
73% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,752/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.0x
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 63.3%
Renter-occupied 36.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,267
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,881/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
31.3 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.7%
Carpooled
8.9%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
1.5%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
13.9%

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
$110,575
48% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,069
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Labor Force Participation
66.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.8%
Graduate degree 16.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38
Male median age 36.8
Female median age 38.8

💨 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 Placentia, CA?

Placentia has a cost index of 240 (100 = national average). It is 140% above the national average.

What is average rent in Placentia, CA?

The median gross rent in Placentia is $2,267 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Placentia?

The median home value in Placentia is $871,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Placentia?

The median household income in Placentia is $110,575 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Placentia, CA?

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

Is Placentia, CA affordable?

Placentia is above average in cost of living, with an index of 240 — about 140% higher than the national average.

Placentia at a Glance

Population
52,384
Median Income
$110,575
Home Value
$871,000
Median Rent
$2,267/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for California

Explore county-level cost of living data

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