Laguna Beach, CA

Very High · 356

California · Population 22,777 · Updated March 2026

$2,802
Median Rent / Month
$140,508
Median Income
$2,000,001
Median Home Value
$3,183
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Laguna Beach

23.9%
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

$33,624
Annual Rent
$18,688
State Income Tax
$14,200
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Laguna Beach has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 356 (where 100 equals the national median), Laguna Beach residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,802/month while earning a median household income of $140,508/year.

The median home value in Laguna Beach, CA is $2,000,001, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,183 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% 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 Laguna Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Laguna Beach

What is the cost of living in Laguna Beach, CA?
The cost of living index in Laguna Beach, CA is 356 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,802, median household income is $140,508/year, and the median home value is $2,000,001.
Is Laguna Beach, CA affordable?
No, Laguna Beach is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 356. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Laguna Beach, CA?
The median gross rent in Laguna Beach, CA is $2,802 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $33,624.
What is the median household income in Laguna Beach?
The median household income in Laguna Beach, CA is $140,508 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%.