Laguna Niguel is considered relatively expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $2,800 and above-average housing costs overall.
When Sophia landed a new job in Laguna Niguel, she was thrilled about the opportunity but apprehensive about the cost of living in this upscale Orange County city. As she started apartment hunting and budgeting for her move from Arizona, Sophia quickly realized that living comfortably in Laguna Niguel would require careful financial planning.
Located in the heart of South Orange County, Laguna Niguel is known for its picturesque neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to the coast. But with these perks comes a higher price tag. Let’s break down the major expenses you can expect when living in Laguna Niguel in 2025.
Housing Costs in Laguna Niguel
Housing is the biggest expense for most Laguna Niguel residents. The typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city is around $2,800 per month as of 2025. If you’re looking to purchase a home, expect to pay a median price of about $950,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family house.
Keep in mind that housing costs can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type. For example, apartments in the newer, resort-style complexes near the Aliso Viejo border tend to be pricier, while older condos in central Laguna Niguel may offer more affordable options. Many neighborhoods also have HOA fees, which can add $200-500 to your monthly housing costs.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical housing costs across Laguna Niguel:
| Housing Type | Typical Monthly Rent/Mortgage |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,900 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,300 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $2,800 |
| 2-Bedroom Condo | $3,200 |
| 3-Bedroom House | $4,500 |
| 4-Bedroom House | $5,500+ |
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, Laguna Niguel residents need to budget for basic utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. For a 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay around $180 per month for these combined utilities.
Keep in mind that electricity costs may spike in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. The typical monthly energy bill for a Laguna Niguel household is about $130 on average, but can climb to $200+ during heat waves.
Groceries and Food
Feeding yourself and your family is another significant expense in Laguna Niguel. The average single adult spends about $400 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends around $1,100.
To give you a sense of food costs, here’s what you might pay for some common grocery items in Laguna Niguel:
- Gallon of milk: $4.50
- Loaf of bread: $3.00
- Carton of eggs: $3.50
- Pound of chicken breast: $5.00
Dining out will add to your food budget. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Laguna Niguel averages about $20 per person, while a fast-food combo is around $9.
Transportation and Gas
Laguna Niguel is a car-dependent city, so transportation costs are another important factor. The average price of gas in Laguna Niguel is about $4.50 per gallon as of 2025. If you drive 15,000 miles per year in a car that gets 25 MPG, you can expect to spend around $225 per month on gas.
If you’re moving to Laguna Niguel from out of state and need to transport your belongings, consider the pros and cons of pods vs trucks to find the most cost-effective option.
Taxes in Laguna Niguel
California has some of the highest taxes in the nation, and Laguna Niguel is no exception. The sales tax rate in the city is 7.75%, which applies to most goods and services. If you own a home in Laguna Niguel, you’ll also pay property taxes of about 1.1% of your home’s assessed value each year.
Income taxes in California are also relatively high. As of 2025, the state income tax rate for an individual earning $75,000 per year is 9.3%.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
To give you a big-picture look at the cost of living in Laguna Niguel, here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for different household types. Keep in mind these are gross income figures (before taxes):
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,300 | $2,800 | $3,500 |
| Utilities | $150 | $180 | $250 |
| Groceries | $400 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $300 | $500 | $700 |
| Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Total | $4,150 | $5,980 | $8,150 |
Lifestyle and Salary Considerations
While the cost of living in Laguna Niguel is high, many residents feel the quality of life is worth the price. The city boasts excellent public schools, low crime rates, beautiful parks and beaches, and a mild coastal climate.
However, living comfortably in Laguna Niguel does require a healthy salary. To afford the lifestyle described in the sample budgets above while staying within recommended spending limits, a single adult would need to earn at least $65,000 per year before taxes. A couple would need a combined gross income of around $95,000, and a family of four would need to bring in about $130,000.
Keep in mind that these income requirements may be lower if you’re willing to live in a smaller space, cook more meals at home, or cut back on discretionary spending. Conversely, if you want to live in a luxury apartment complex, dine out frequently, or send your kids to private school, you may need a significantly higher income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the cost of living in Laguna Niguel compare to other Orange County cities?
A: Laguna Niguel is slightly less expensive than coastal cities like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, but pricier than inland cities like Mission Viejo and Lake Forest.
Q: Are there any affordable neighborhoods in Laguna Niguel?
A: Central Laguna Niguel and the neighborhoods bordering Aliso Viejo tend to have the most affordable housing options, especially condos and townhomes.
Q: How much can I expect to pay for internet and cable in Laguna Niguel?
A: The average cost for basic cable and internet service is about $100 per month.
Q: Is it possible to get by without a car in Laguna Niguel?
A: While Laguna Niguel does have some public transit options, the city is largely car-dependent. Most households need at least one vehicle.
Q: Are there any hidden costs of living in Laguna Niguel?
A: If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may need to pay monthly dues on top of your rent or mortgage. Many apartments also charge for parking.