Cost of Living in Orange County, CA: A Homebuyer's Guide to Orange County Living Expenses

Welcome to Orange County: the ultimate destination for surfing, shopping, breathtaking coastal real estate, and iconic TV shows — plus, it’s the birthplace of Disneyland®.

Orange County is more than just a vacation hot spot; it's also a highly desirable place to live. One of the top factors that makes Orange County unique is its convenient location, with easy access to the beach, the mountains, the desert, and endless attractions. Its Mediterranean-like climate means Orange County is a stunning place to call home year-round. However, all this beauty, accessibility, and luxury come with a price.

So, if you’re curious about the cost of living in Orange County, California, this article dives into the details to help you decide if this dynamic community is the perfect fit for you.

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Orange County, CA

• Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Orange County

• Other Living Expenses in Orange County, CA

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Orange County

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Orange County

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Orange County

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Orange County

  • Tax Rates in the Orange County Area

  • Recreation Costs in Orange County, California

• Living Wage in Orange County, CA

• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Orange County by Neighborhood

Cost of Living in Orange County, CA

Because Orange County offers a more upscale lifestyle, it can come with a hefty price tag. The average cost of living in Orange County is a whopping 51% higher than the national average as of November 2023, according to data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER®).

What might that look like financially? According to the Real Cost Measure Report released in August 2023, a family of four will spend a staggering $109,833 per year to comfortably cover all their basic needs. That includes housing, transportation, health care, groceries, and other essentials.

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Orange County

Housing is the biggest expense when calculating the living cost in Orange County, California. In this coveted county, location is everything. 

Realtor.com data, as of November 2023, provides a snapshot of median home prices in the county’s key cities:

• Irvine: Known for its suburban lifestyle and master-planned communities, Irvine boasts a median home price of $1.6 million.

• Newport Beach: With its coastal allure, Newport Beach commands a much higher median home price of $4.5 million.

• Anaheim: A city consisting of entertainment attractions and residential areas, Anaheim’s median home price is $889.4K.

• Santa Ana: This historic yet cultural hub has a median home price of $822K.

As for rentals, prices in Orange County range dramatically. As of November 2023, Apartments.com reports a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit in Tustin presents some of the lowest prices at about $1550 per month compared to Laguna Beach, where the cost of a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is $17K a month. Forbes® finds apartment rentals average $3,017 monthly as of November 2023, but this cost varies depending on the number of bedrooms, baths, and amenities.

Median Listing and Sold Home Prices 

For a broader perspective on the housing market, Realtor.com shares that as of October 2023, Orange County has over 4,900 homes for sale, with a median listing home price of $1.3M, reflecting a 16.3% year-over-year increase. This data encompasses the 52 cities within Orange County and also finds that homes sell close to the asking price.

Additional Market Insights

According to PayScale®, as of November 2023, housing expenses in Orange County are 157% higher than the national average. This data emphasizes the financial commitment associated with living in this desirable locale. 

Realtor.com finds Orange County to be a seller's market, indicating higher demand than available housing in November 2023. Homes sell, on average, after 40 days on the market, which is a slight increase from October 2023 but less than the same period last year, also per Realtor.com. 

Other Living Expenses in Orange County, CA

The monthly cost of living in Orange County involves more than just housing prices. Let's explore other living expenses in this Southern California county, from grocery costs to tax rates and everything in between.

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Orange County

As of November 2023, C2ER® reveals that grocery costs in Orange County, CA, surpass the national average by 11%. While these figures may reflect a higher expense, they also take into account the diverse restaurants and quality eateries that define Orange County living.

Below are some basic grocery costs in Orange County based on C2ER® 2023 data:

• The average cost of bananas runs $0.85 per pound, slightly exceeding the national average of $0.69.

• A loaf of bread averages $4.19, compared to the national average of $4.01.

• Residents can expect to pay around $4.75 for a dozen eggs, a slight increase from the national average of $3.78.

• Ground beef costs about $5.71 per pound, marginally higher than the national average of $5.64.

• A half-gallon of whole milk is $4.44, surpassing the national average of $4.15.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Orange County

There is a rather efficient transportation network in Orange County, but it comes with associated expenses like bus fares and gas prices. PayScale® states that transportation collectively is 29% higher than the national average as of November 2023. 

While walking and biking may be an option in some coastal cities, Orange County is most accessible by car. For November 2023, AAA® reports the average gas price in Orange County is $4.913 per gallon. 

For those seeking to save on gas, there are multiple Costco® in the area. That includes locations in Garden Grove and Fountain Valley, which offer comparatively lower fuel prices as of November 2023, according to GasBuddy®.

There are ways to save on transportation costs. Orange County offers public transportation, and you can explore carpooling options or invest in energy-efficient vehicles, all of which can strike the perfect balance between convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Orange County

Healthcare and insurance costs are a necessary part of financial planning. According to PayScale® data from November 2023, healthcare expenses in Orange County are 1% lower than the national average, emphasizing accessibility to healthcare services.

Below are some standard healthcare costs in Orange County, per PayScale®: 

• Doctor's visit: A doctor’s appointment costs approximately $123.54.
  

• Dentist: A routine dental appointment averages $106.58.
  
  

• Optometrist: Getting your eyes checked runs an average of $116.37.
  
  

• Prescription medication: Filling a prescription here costs about $455.17. 
  
  

• Veterinary care: An integral part of responsible pet ownership, veterinary care averages $66.50 per visit. 
  
  

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Orange County

In addition to housing, groceries, transportation, and health care, you must also account for electricity expenses and stay connected with phone and internet services. That means the average cost of utilities in Orange County, CA, can be a big chunk out of your budget, whether you own a home or rent.

PayScale® states utility prices in Orange County are 8% below the national average as of November 2023. PayScale® data also finds the average monthly energy bill to be about $162 and monthly internet services average $174.62. 

Tax Rates in the Orange County Area

Orange County’s sales and use tax rates average 8.5% based on the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) website as of July 2023. Per the CDTFA, the majority of Orange County cities like Anaheim and Irvine have a tax rate of 7.75%, a handful of cities like Seal Beach are at 8.75%, and Santa Ana and Los Alamitos top the list at 9.25%.

Recreation Costs in Orange County, California

The appealing Orange County lifestyle does run 12% higher than the national average, according to Redfin® in November 2023. Redfin® data includes the cost of common activities, such as the following:

• A movie ticket averages $16.28, $4 more than the national average.

• For a quick caffeine fix, a to-go latte is about $6.71, about $1 more than the rest of the country.

• In the wellness category, a yoga class averages $26.79, roughly $9 more than the national average.

Though the lifestyle costs may be higher, Orange County residents enjoy endless recreational opportunities. From theme parks and coastal hiking to major sporting events and more, fun is abundant in this SoCal county. For many, easy access to all these activities is worth living in such a high-cost area.

Living Wage in Orange County, CA

The Living Wage Calculator defines a living wage as the hourly rate an individual must earn to adequately support themselves and their family, assuming they have full-time employment (2,080 hours per year). 

As of January 2023, the Living Wage Calculator estimates the living wage in Orange County, CA, for a single adult with no children to be $23.66 per hour. This figure reflects the financial threshold required for a single individual to cover basic living expenses in Orange County. In a household with two working adults and two children, the living wage is $32.40 per hour. That amounts to $67,392 annually, the salary needed to live in Orange County.

Average Cost to Build a New Home in Orange County by Neighborhood

Building a home in Orange County can come with a higher price tag than the average cost of buying a home in California as a whole. However, the prospect of choosing among design options for a living space that suits your preferences may outweigh the additional expense for many prospective homeowners.

As of March 2023, KTLA reports that the average cost to build a home in Orange County is approximately $717K, but buying a home in Orange County hovers around $1.3 million. While constructing a home is a significant investment, that means a potential savings of over $490K compared to purchasing an existing home in the area.

Let’s discover what some Orange County cities have to offer and uncover the average cost of building a new home in them.

Anaheim

Anaheim has it all, from the excitement of attractions like Disneyland Resort and the Downtown Disney District to charming neighborhoods like Anaheim Hills and the historic Anaheim Colony. Explore the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, or cheer on your favorite team at the Honda Center. With a wide range of dining options, Angel Stadium nearby, and a thriving local scene, there's never a dull moment in Anaheim. Come experience the perfect blend of attractions and residential charm in the heart of Southern California.

As of November 2023, the cost to build a new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Anaheim, according to NewHomeSource®, ranges from the low $700Ks to the upper $900Ks.

San Juan Capistrano

Discover the captivating charm of San Juan Capistrano. Nestled in beautiful South Orange County, this city is brimming with history while offering tranquility. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural significance of the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, marvel at the enchanting Spanish colonial architecture, and stroll through the oldest residential neighborhood in California, the Los Rios Historic District. Nature enthusiasts delight in the lush San Juan Capistrano Trail. Experience the perfect balance of history and modern comforts in this peaceful oasis, where you can enjoy a serene lifestyle while still having easy access to nearby amenities. 

The cost to build a new 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in San Juan Capistrano in November 2023 runs in the low $1M range, according to NewHomeSource®.

Irvine

Irvine is a city that’s all about community and making loved ones a priority. With parks, bike trails, and the Irvine Spectrum Center, there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's outdoor fun or a little retail therapy. Irvine is also known for its quality schools, like the esteemed University of California, Irvine. The city provides a friendly environment with well-kept neighborhoods and has a reputation for convenience and cleanliness. It’s no wonder so many call Irvine home.

The cost to build a new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Irvine runs from the low $1M to mid $1.4M range, per NewHomeSource® in November 2023. Our new construction homes in Irvine, CA, start in the $900Ks.

Huntington Beach

If you’re searching for a home in an ideal beach city, look no further than Huntington Beach, a laid-back and intriguing locale. This picturesque coastal gem in Orange County has everything you need for a relaxed, beach-centric lifestyle. From its iconic sandy shores and the famous Huntington Beach Pier to the peaceful Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Huntington Central Park, this city offers escapes into nature that will leave you in awe. If you're craving some excitement, the downtown area has a variety of dining and shopping experiences for you to indulge in, or you can enjoy popular events like the U.S. Open of Surfing, all of which make Huntington Beach a must-visit destination.

The cost to build a new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Huntington Beach in November 2023 averages from the upper $800K to mid $1M range, according to NewHomeSource®.

Rancho Mission Viejo

Imagine living amid the beautiful rolling hills of South Orange County, where nature is at your doorstep and breathtaking views surround you. Rancho Mission Viejo is a master-planned community that embraces its natural landscape and provides residents with a sense of peace and connection. The area is also home to the vibrant Sendero Marketplace, where you can find everything from shopping to dining to entertainment. Plus, there are plenty of amenities to enjoy, such as hiking trails and community events, encouraging a relaxed and close-knit lifestyle. What sets this community apart is its commitment to sustainability. You can feel good about living here, knowing that preserving the environment is a top priority.

Per NewHomeSource®, in November 2023, the cost to build a new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Rancho Mission Viejo ranges from the upper $700Ks to the high-end of $1.2M. Our new construction homes in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, start in the $700Ks.

Cost of Living in Orange County Conclusion

If you’re looking to move to Orange County, get ready for fantastic weather, high living standards, and its unique allure of entertainment and natural beauty. But keep in mind that this slice of paradise comes at a price.

Housing is a significant expense, with Realtor.com putting the price of a home in 2023 in the low $700Ks in Anaheim to a whopping $4.5 million in Newport Beach. According to Apartments.com and Forbes®, rent can run from $1,550 to around $3,000 per month in 2023.

Several sources, based on 2023 data, place daily necessities like groceries at 11% above the national average and transportation costs at 29% higher but find healthcare expenses are slightly lower, as well as utilities, internet, and phone expenses, which run 8% below the national average.

Though the cost of living can be more expensive here, from the stunning shorelines of Huntington Beach to the magic of Disney's Main Street, Orange County offers a lifestyle like no other. Start planning your new life here!

Explore new construction homes in Orange County, California, today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Orange County Resident & Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 4/11/2024