Cost of Living in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Population 47,257 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Rancho Santa Margarita sits 198% above the national median — $908,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $146,827 (97% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 10 miles east of Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rancho Santa Margarita
The median home value in Rancho Santa Margarita is $907,900 — 198% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,481/month, 89% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $146,827/year is 97% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 Santa Margarita has a cost of living index of 254 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 154% 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
Rancho Santa Margarita has a cost index of 254 (100 = national average). It is 154% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The median gross rent in Rancho Santa Margarita is $2,481 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The median home value in Rancho Santa Margarita is $907,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rancho Santa Margarita?
The median household income in Rancho Santa Margarita is $146,827 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rancho Santa Margarita is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Rancho Santa Margarita, CA affordable?
Rancho Santa Margarita is above average in cost of living, with an index of 254 — about 154% higher than the national average.
Rancho Santa Margarita at a Glance
- Population
- 47,257
- Median Income
- $146,827
- Home Value
- $907,900
- Median Rent
- $2,481/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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