Rancho Mission Viejo, CA

Very High · 279

California · Population 11,355 · Updated March 2026

$3,342
Median Rent / Month
$181,111
Median Income
$1,039,300
Median Home Value
$3,943
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Rancho Mission Viejo

22.1%
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

$40,104
Annual Rent
$24,088
State Income Tax
$7,379
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Rancho Mission Viejo has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 279 (where 100 equals the national median), Rancho Mission Viejo residents can expect to pay median rent of $3,342/month while earning a median household income of $181,111/year.

The median home value in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $1,039,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,943 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% 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 Rancho Mission Viejo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Rancho Mission Viejo

What is the cost of living in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
The cost of living index in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is 279 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $3,342, median household income is $181,111/year, and the median home value is $1,039,300.
Is Rancho Mission Viejo, CA affordable?
No, Rancho Mission Viejo is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 279. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA?
The median gross rent in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $3,342 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $40,104.
What is the median household income in Rancho Mission Viejo?
The median household income in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA is $181,111 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%.