Cost of Living: Huntington Beach, CA vs Temecula, CA (2026)

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Temecula

California
179

Huntington Beach is 27% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,424/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↓ 5%
$119,885/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↓ 2%
$1,047,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 39%
$2,436/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ≈ Same
196,010
Population
110,404

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Temecula, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $2,045/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Temecula — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Temecula?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Temecula?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $2,045/year higher in Huntington Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Huntington Beach or Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntington Beach details → View Temecula details →

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