Cost of Living in Tustin, CA
Population 79,035 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Tustin's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $891,000 for a typical home, 192% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $108,435 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Tustin is part of the immediate Santa Ana metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% higher than Santa Ana's $658,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Tustin
The median home value in Tustin is $890,600 — 192% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,340/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,435/year is 45% 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, Tustin has a cost of living index of 246 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 146% 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 Tustin, CA?
Tustin has a cost index of 246 (100 = national average). It is 146% above the national average.
What is average rent in Tustin, CA?
The median gross rent in Tustin is $2,340 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Tustin?
The median home value in Tustin is $890,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Tustin?
The median household income in Tustin is $108,435 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Tustin, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tustin is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Tustin, CA affordable?
Tustin is above average in cost of living, with an index of 246 — about 146% higher than the national average.
Tustin at a Glance
- Population
- 79,035
- Median Income
- $108,435
- Home Value
- $890,600
- Median Rent
- $2,340/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs