California · Population 196,010 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Huntington Beach
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Huntington Beach has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 227 (where 100 equals the national median), Huntington Beach residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,424/month while earning a median household income of $119,885/year.
The median home value in Huntington Beach, CA is $1,047,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,436 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% 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 Huntington Beach.
Common questions about living costs in Huntington Beach
Similar-sized cities to compare