Aliso Viejo, CA

Very High · 224

California · Population 51,320 · Updated March 2026

$2,774
Median Rent / Month
$137,970
Median Income
$863,800
Median Home Value
$2,818
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Aliso Viejo

24.1%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$33,288
Annual Rent
$18,350
State Income Tax
$6,133
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Aliso Viejo has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 224 (where 100 equals the national median), Aliso Viejo residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,774/month while earning a median household income of $137,970/year.

The median home value in Aliso Viejo, CA is $863,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,818 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.1% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Aliso Viejo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Aliso Viejo

What is the cost of living in Aliso Viejo, CA?
The cost of living index in Aliso Viejo, CA is 224 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,774, median household income is $137,970/year, and the median home value is $863,800.
Is Aliso Viejo, CA affordable?
No, Aliso Viejo is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 224. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Aliso Viejo, CA?
The median gross rent in Aliso Viejo, CA is $2,774 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $33,288.
What is the median household income in Aliso Viejo?
The median household income in Aliso Viejo, CA is $137,970 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.