Cost of Living in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA

Population 11,355 · California · Data vintage 2023

306
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rancho Mission Viejo's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 241% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $181,111 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Located 15 miles southeast of Irvine, Rancho Mission Viejo falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Irvine's $1.1 million median.

Cost Overview

Housing 341
Rent 254

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

About the Cost of Living in Rancho Mission Viejo

The median home value in Rancho Mission Viejo is $1,039,300 — 241% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,342/month, 154% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $181,111/year is 143% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Rancho Mission Viejo has a cost of living index of 306 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 206% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,039,300
241% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,191,416
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,342/mo
154% above avg
Zillow Rent
$4,006/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
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 75.3%
Renter-occupied 24.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,342
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,956/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
32.0 min
19% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
32.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.6%
Carpooled
8.8%
Walked
0.3%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
32.8%

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
$181,111
143% above avg
Per Capita Income
$81,781
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
33% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Labor Force Participation
67.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.0%
Graduate degree 26.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.5
Male median age 38.6
Female median age 38.5

💨 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 Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?

Rancho Mission Viejo has a cost index of 306 (100 = national average). It is 206% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?

The median gross rent in Rancho Mission Viejo is $3,342 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rancho Mission Viejo?

The median home value in Rancho Mission Viejo is $1,039,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rancho Mission Viejo?

The median household income in Rancho Mission Viejo is $181,111 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?

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

Is Rancho Mission Viejo, CA affordable?

Rancho Mission Viejo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 306 — about 206% higher than the national average.