F
89%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
263%
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 Laguna Hills California National
Cost of living189141100
Groceries109111100
Health care114116100
Housing363197100
Transportation115118100
Utilities116119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment119120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare126127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Laguna Hills, CA

Understanding the cost of living in Laguna Hills can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Laguna Hills cost of living index is 189, which is 89% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Laguna Hills is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Laguna Hills falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Laguna Hills cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 263%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Laguna Hills Affordable?

Is Laguna Hills an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Laguna Hills is 320.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 128.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Laguna Hills has a median household income of $155,572, which is 91.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Laguna Hills?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Laguna Hills, healthcare costs are 13.6% 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 Laguna Hills, the transportation index stands at 15.2% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Laguna Hills, the housing index is 263% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Laguna Hills cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Laguna Hills is 34% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Laguna Hills is 89% higher than the national average
  • Laguna Hills housing is 263% 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 Laguna Hills

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Compare Laguna Hills, 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$181,399$15,117$4,232$5,443
      Renters$111,698$9,308$2,606$3,351
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Laguna Hills, CA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Laguna Hills have a median income of $181,399. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,232 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $111,698, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,606.

      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.
      Las Flores CDP (Tehama County), CA33511616.5%
      Laguna Woods, CA16,65613534.5%
      Temescal Valley, CA29,02215858.0%
      Santa Ana, CA345,16016160.9%
      Garden Grove, CA176,55116565.4%
      Laguna Hills, CA32,46818989.1%

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      Shawnee, OK32,4888712.6%
      Orcutt, CA32,43214949.2%
      West Falls Church, VA32,42015555.2%
      North Cowichan, BC32,420n/a 
      Mundelein, IL32,41811110.5%
      Laguna Hills, CA32,46818989.1%
      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.