Cost of Living in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Population 34,998 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in San Juan Capistrano run well above the national baseline, with a median of $930,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $127,893 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Geographically, San Juan Capistrano sits roughly 14 miles southeast of Irvine. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Irvine's $1.1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Juan Capistrano
The median home value in San Juan Capistrano is $929,700 — 205% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,500/month, 90% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $127,893/year is 71% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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, San Juan Capistrano has a cost of living index of 259 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 159% 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 San Juan Capistrano, CA?
San Juan Capistrano has a cost index of 259 (100 = national average). It is 159% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Juan Capistrano, CA?
The median gross rent in San Juan Capistrano is $2,500 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Juan Capistrano?
The median home value in San Juan Capistrano is $929,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Juan Capistrano?
The median household income in San Juan Capistrano is $127,893 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Juan Capistrano, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Juan Capistrano is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Juan Capistrano, CA affordable?
San Juan Capistrano is above average in cost of living, with an index of 259 — about 159% higher than the national average.
San Juan Capistrano at a Glance
- Population
- 34,998
- Median Income
- $127,893
- Home Value
- $929,700
- Median Rent
- $2,500/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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