Mission Viejo, CA

Very High · 230

California · Population 92,415 · Updated March 2026

$2,713
Median Rent / Month
$136,071
Median Income
$946,300
Median Home Value
$2,751
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Mission Viejo

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

$32,556
Annual Rent
$18,097
State Income Tax
$6,719
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Mission Viejo has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 230 (where 100 equals the national median), Mission Viejo residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,713/month while earning a median household income of $136,071/year.

The median home value in Mission Viejo, CA is $946,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,751 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 Mission Viejo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Mission Viejo

What is the cost of living in Mission Viejo, CA?
The cost of living index in Mission Viejo, CA is 230 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,713, median household income is $136,071/year, and the median home value is $946,300.
Is Mission Viejo, CA affordable?
No, Mission Viejo is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 230. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Mission Viejo, CA?
The median gross rent in Mission Viejo, CA is $2,713 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $32,556.
What is the median household income in Mission Viejo?
The median household income in Mission Viejo, CA is $136,071 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%.