Dana Point, CA

Very High · 266

California · Population 32,883 · Updated March 2026

$2,883
Median Rent / Month
$127,246
Median Income
$1,200,900
Median Home Value
$2,942
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Dana Point

27.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$34,596
Annual Rent
$16,924
State Income Tax
$8,526
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Dana Point has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 266 (where 100 equals the national median), Dana Point residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,883/month while earning a median household income of $127,246/year.

The median home value in Dana Point, CA is $1,200,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,942 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.2%, Dana Point falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Dana Point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Dana Point

What is the cost of living in Dana Point, CA?
The cost of living index in Dana Point, CA is 266 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,883, median household income is $127,246/year, and the median home value is $1,200,900.
Is Dana Point, CA affordable?
No, Dana Point is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 266. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Dana Point, CA?
The median gross rent in Dana Point, CA is $2,883 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $34,596.
What is the median household income in Dana Point?
The median household income in Dana Point, CA is $127,246 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%.