Back
Cost of Living in
Orange County
Rank #7
To compile our rankings, we analyzed the factors associated with living costs like housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
Living cost is 60.2% higher than avg
Families spend upto $13,892/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $14,208/mo on avg
Renters spend $7,202/mo on avg
Cost of Living in
Orange County
Enter the city you're moving from
Moving From
Moving To
Your Pre-Tax Income
Orange County, CA is the #7 Most Expensive City in the U.S.
U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$1,600,865
201% Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$3,108
127% U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$182.29
17% Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$299.72
50% U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$6.43
5% Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.33
3% Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$3.99
18% Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$10.02
63% Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$21.01
8% Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.46
14% Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$2.08
14% Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.11
10% Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.27
10% Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$2.75
68% Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$3.09
81% Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.67
15% Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.48
5% Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$7.32
15% Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$2.83
18% Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.43
20% Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$7.21
10% Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$4.83
7% Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.4
$3.11
29% Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.03
3% Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.84
31% Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$5.11
8% Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.83
3% Margarine (per lb)
$1.3
$1.79
38% Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$3.57
10% Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$5.07
24% Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.35
11% U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$76.2
9% Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$4.49
55% U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$129.69
12% Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$123.81
15% Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$12.17
2% Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$17.55
16% Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$159.75
68% U.S. Avg.
Orange County, CA
Difference Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$35.95
1% Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$36.36
23% Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$38.34
3% Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$9.83
31% Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$11.13
0% Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$85.88
31% Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$3.92
9% Yoga (per class)
$12
$31.33
161% Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$17.12
47% Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$18.4
5% Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$95.44
13% Women Slacks
$34.88
$38.49
10% Boy Jeans
$29.51
$34.16
16% Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$38.24
2% Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$23.49
75% Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.58
2% Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$3.95
9% Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$88.54
86% Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$26.81
1% Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$6.51
49% Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$16.28
36% Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$6.59
25% Living in Orange County costs 60.2% higher than US average. This means everyday expenses like housing, utilities, and services tend to be higher, which can impact your monthly budget.
- Housing in Orange County is 201% higher than US average. A median home price of $1,600,865 versus $532,491 gives you more affordability and greater flexibility when planning for long-term homeownership.
- Renting in Orange County is 127.4% higher than US average. A median monthly rent of $3,108, compared to $1,367, means you should account for higher monthly payments and tighter budget planning.
- Utilities in Orange County are 17% higher than US average. Electricity costs around $299.72 and phone services average $182.29, which can noticeably increase your monthly household expenses.
- Food and grocery prices in Orange County are 5% higher than US average. Everyday items, such as milk at $5.07 per gallon and bread at $4.27 per loaf, contribute to higher weekly grocery bills.
- Transportation costs in Orange County are 18.59% higher than US average. With gas prices at $4.49 per gallon, along with insurance and maintenance, commuting can quickly become a significant expense.
- Healthcare costs in Orange County are 0.83% lower than US average. With doctor visits at $129.69 and dental check-ups around $123.81, medical care generally remains affordable.
- Miscellaneous expenses in Orange County are 18.52% higher than US average. From entertainment to personal services and dining out, these everyday extras tend to add up faster. Costs for entertainment, personal services, and dining out can add up fast.
👉 Next Step: Explore homes for sale in Orange County, CA.
Is Orange County, CA Too Expensive? Browse Homes by Price Range
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$100,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$200,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$300,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$400,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$500,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$600,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$700,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$800,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$900,000
Orange County, CA Homes Under
$1M
Discover your place in Orange County, CA
View neighborhood insights, browse popular homes, and shortlist the ones you like on any device.
Download the Houzeo Mobile App Now!
What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Orange County cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.
About Cost of Living Data
The data used to determine Orange County's cost of living is sourced from the
Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and
the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its
data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in
cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s
data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure
consistency and quality.
For more information, visit
www.coli.org.
Data published as of Oct 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is gas in Orange County?
The cost of gas in Orange County averages around $4.49 per gallon. Prices may rise during peak travel seasons or around high-traffic periods like weekends or holidays. Additionally, congestion on major highways and thoroughfares can lead to longer drives and more frequent fill-ups.
Is Orange County a good place to live?
Yes, Orange County is a good place to live if you value a desirable climate, access to local amenities, and cultural diversity. It also has major transportation options like airports and well-regarded healthcare facilities. Certain neighborhoods in the city are known for having good schools and community resources.
What is the average cost of living in Orange County?
The average cost of living in Orange County, CA, is 60.2% higher than US average. Some neighborhoods are more expensive, while others offer more affordable living options, depending on local housing, amenities, and lifestyle.
What is the average rent in Orange County?
A one-bedroom apartment in Orange County typically rents for $3,108 per month. Prices vary by location, unit size, and amenities. Some neighborhoods are pricier due to convenience or popularity, while others offer more affordable options for residents.
What is the average price of utilities in Orange County?
Utility costs in Orange County are 17% higher than US average. This usually includes electricity, water, sewer, and trash, with costs potentially higher during extreme weather months.
Calculate Cost of Living Across US Cities
Cost of Living Calculator
Tampa
Cost of Living Calculator
Jacksonville
Cost of Living Calculator
Cape Coral
Cost of Living Calculator
Fort Myers
Cost of Living Calculator
Orlando
Cost of Living Calculator
Chicago
Cost of Living Calculator
Seattle
Cost of Living Calculator
Santa Monica
Cost of Living Calculator
New York City
Cost of Living Calculator
Denver
Cost of Living Calculator
Boston
Cost of Living Calculator
Oakland
Cost of Living Calculator
Arlington
Cost of Living Calculator
Austin
Cost of Living Calculator
Cleveland
Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.
PricingFlat Fee MLSFAQSeller GuideReviewsContact UsTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyConsent to Contact ConsumerRefund and Cancellation PolicyMLS Disclaimers
Houzeo Corp. holds real estate brokerage licenses in Alabama (License No. 000157023 - 0) and Texas (License No. 9013396)
TREC: Info About Brokerage Services, Consumer Protection Notice.
