| Index | Aliso Viejo | California | National |
| Cost of living | 177 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 109 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 113 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 323 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 119 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 120 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 110 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 122 | 127 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Aliso Viejo is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Aliso Viejo is 177, which is 77% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Aliso Viejo is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Aliso Viejo falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
When it comes to the cost of living in Aliso Viejo, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 223.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 14 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Aliso Viejo and this is how they responded. 14% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 86% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Wondering if Aliso Viejo is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Aliso Viejo, for example, the median home price is 256.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 144.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Aliso Viejo boasting a median household income of $177,394, which is 118.1% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Aliso Viejo, the healthcare costs are 13.2% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.
The Aliso Viejo cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.
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| Groceries index | |
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $212,507 | $17,709 | $4,958 | $6,376 |
| Renters | $137,298 | $11,442 | $3,203 | $4,119 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Las Flores CDP (Tehama County), CA | 335 | 116 | 16.5% |
| Laguna Woods, CA | 16,656 | 135 | 34.5% |
| Santa Ana, CA | 345,160 | 161 | 60.9% |
| Midway City, CA | 8,883 | 158 | 58.5% |
| Garden Grove, CA | 176,551 | 165 | 65.4% |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 177 | 77.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Joplin, MO | 51,877 | 88 | 12.2% |
| Country Club, FL | 51,794 | 116 | 16.0% |
| Newark, OH | 51,756 | 89 | 10.5% |
| Maricopa, AZ | 51,744 | 111 | 11.1% |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON | 52,025 | n/a | |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 177 | 77.3% |