F
237%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
745%
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 Newport Beach California National
Cost of living337141100
Groceries110111100
Health care118116100
Housing845197100
Transportation117118100
Utilities125119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment133120100
Household Items114111100
Education & Childcare137127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Newport Beach, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Newport Beach? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Newport Beach stands at 337, making it 237% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Newport Beach 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, Newport Beach falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Newport Beach cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 744.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, 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 Newport Beach, these everyday items will cost you 13.5% more than average, making it a slightly more expensive place to call home.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Newport Beach?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 33 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Newport Beach. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 18% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 82% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Newport Beach Affordable?

Is Newport Beach affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Newport Beach, the median home price is 1000.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 147% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Newport Beach boasting a median household income of $200,001, 145.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Newport Beach?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Newport Beach, the groceries index registers 9.7% 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 Newport Beach, is 744.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Newport Beach, healthcare costs are 18.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Newport Beach shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Newport Beach is 140% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Newport Beach is 237% higher than the national average
  • Newport Beach housing is 745% 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 Newport Beach

See all the best places to live around Newport Beach

Compare Newport Beach, 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$273,680$22,807$6,385$8,211
      Renters$151,512$12,626$3,535$4,546
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, the median monthly income is $273,680 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $6,385 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $151,512, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $3,535 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.
      Laguna Woods, CA16,65613534.5%
      Hawaiian Gardens, CA14,65614242.3%
      Stanton, CA39,11014646.2%
      Seal Beach, CA25,20814949.1%
      Signal Hill, CA11,86615958.9%
      Newport Beach, CA90,043337237.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      O'Fallon, MO90,0201055.1%
      Citrus Heights, CA90,37313232.0%
      Ogden, UT90,5201011.5%
      Newton, MA90,578207106.6%
      Newport Beach, CA90,043337237.4%
      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.