Brea, CA

Very High · 203

California · Population 47,337 · Updated March 2026

$2,285
Median Rent / Month
$124,837
Median Income
$874,300
Median Home Value
$2,375
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Brea

22.0%
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

$27,420
Annual Rent
$16,603
State Income Tax
$6,208
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Brea has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 203 (where 100 equals the national median), Brea residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,285/month while earning a median household income of $124,837/year.

The median home value in Brea, CA is $874,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,375 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% 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 Brea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Brea

What is the cost of living in Brea, CA?
The cost of living index in Brea, CA is 203 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,285, median household income is $124,837/year, and the median home value is $874,300.
Is Brea, CA affordable?
No, Brea is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 203. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Brea, CA?
The median gross rent in Brea, CA is $2,285 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,420.
What is the median household income in Brea?
The median household income in Brea, CA is $124,837 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%.