F
67%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
188%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Buena Park California National
Cost of living167141100
Groceries112111100
Health care114116100
Housing288197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items111111100
Education & Childcare123127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Buena Park, CA

The cost of living in Buena Park affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Buena Park is 167, which is 67% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Buena Park may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Buena Park falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Buena Park cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 188% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Recurring household expenses such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics are a steady part of monthly spending and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Buena Park, these everyday items will cost you 10.9% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Buena Park, it's the same story – grocery costs are 11.6% higher than what people pay across the country.

Is Buena Park Affordable?

Wondering if Buena Park 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 Buena Park, for example, the median home price is 233.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 81.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Buena Park boasting a median household income of $124,613, which is 53.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Buena Park?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Buena Park, the groceries index is 11.6% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Buena Park, is 188% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Buena Park, the transportation index stands at 16.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Buena Park cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Buena Park is 19% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Buena Park is 67% higher than the national average
  • Buena Park housing is 188% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Buena Park

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Compare Buena Park, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$163,444$13,620$3,813$4,904
      Renters$89,283$7,440$2,083$2,679
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Buena Park, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Buena Park, the median monthly income is $163,444 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,813 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $89,283, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,083 on monthly rental expenses.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Compton, CA98,73113938.7%
      Buena Park, CA83,98916767.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Somerville, MA84,01818585.2%
      Manteca, CA84,07114343.1%
      The Villages, FL84,11512020.5%
      Medford, OR84,27111717.0%
      Lynchburg, VA83,7031000.2%
      Buena Park, CA83,98916767.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.