Buena Park, CA vs. Anaheim, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Buena Park or Anaheim, California? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison between these two Orange County cities in 2025:
- 🏠 Median rent for a 2BR apartment: $2,350 in Buena Park vs. $2,550 in Anaheim
- ⚡ Average monthly utility bill: $180 in Buena Park vs. $200 in Anaheim
- 🥑 Typical grocery costs for a family of 4: $1,100/month in Buena Park vs. $1,200/month in Anaheim
- 💸 Sales tax rate: 7.75% in Buena Park vs. 7.75% in Anaheim
For a more detailed breakdown, read on. We’ll compare major cost of living factors like housing, utilities, food, and taxes to help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical costs compare for common housing types in Buena Park and Anaheim:
| Housing Type | Buena Park | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $2,350 | $2,550 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $3,400 | $3,700 |
🏆 Winner: Buena Park. Housing costs are about 10% lower on average in Buena Park compared to Anaheim. A household moving from Anaheim to Buena Park might save $200-300 per month on housing alone.
For a full breakdown of housing expenses, see our guides on how much it costs to live in Buena Park each month and the real cost of living in Buena Park in 2025.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Anaheim running slightly higher due to its larger average home and apartment sizes:
- Buena Park: Expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a typical household
- Anaheim: Budget closer to $200/month for utilities in an average home
Both cities experience hot summers, so electric bills peak in July and August with heavy AC use. Winter heating costs are moderate.
🏆 Winner: Buena Park, but only by about $20/month on average. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs are also quite close between Buena Park and Anaheim. Assuming a standard diet and occasional meals out:
- A family of 4 in Buena Park typically spends around $1,100/month on groceries and dining out
- The same family in Anaheim might spend $1,200/month due to slightly higher restaurant prices
🏆 Winner: Buena Park, but only by about $100/month for an average household. Grocery costs are very similar.
Taxes and Fees
Both Buena Park and Anaheim have a sales tax rate of 7.75% as of 2025. Property taxes are also comparable:
- Buena Park has an average effective property tax rate of 0.79%
- Anaheim’s average effective property tax rate is 0.81%
HOA fees tend to be slightly higher in Anaheim ($350/month on average vs. $300/month in Buena Park).
🏆 Winner: Tie. Tax rates and city fees are nearly identical between Buena Park and Anaheim.
Cost Summary Table
| Cost Factor | Buena Park | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $2,350 – $3,400 | $2,550 – $3,700 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries/Food | $1,100 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $500 | $550 |
| Taxes | 7.75% sales tax 0.79% property tax | 7.75% sales tax 0.81% property tax |
| Misc Costs (Entertainment, etc) | $600 | $650 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,730 – $5,780 | $5,150 – $6,300 |
Note: All income and cost figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (before taxes). Actual budgets vary based on lifestyle and family size.
Lifestyle Fit
Buena Park and Anaheim offer a similar suburban Southern California lifestyle – quiet residential neighborhoods, warm weather, and easy access to beaches and attractions. A few key differences:
- Buena Park has a small-town feel with its historic downtown district and slightly slower pace of life. Homes tend to be a bit older but more affordable.
- Anaheim is more bustling, especially around the Disneyland area. It has more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Homes are newer on average but pricier.
Anaheim averages 2°F warmer than Buena Park in summer due to its inland location. Both cities require a car to get around, though Anaheim has slightly better public transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buena Park more affordable than Anaheim?
Yes, the cost of living in Buena Park is about 5-10% lower than Anaheim on average, mainly due to cheaper housing costs.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Buena Park has lower rent than Anaheim – around $200/month less for a comparable apartment.
Is it cheaper to buy a home in Buena Park or Anaheim?
Buena Park has a lower median home price and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. Expect to pay $300-400 less per month on a mortgage in Buena Park vs. Anaheim.
Conclusion
While Buena Park and Anaheim share many similarities, Buena Park comes out ahead on affordability, with lower costs for housing, food, and utilities. It’s ideal for families looking for a budget-friendly suburb with great schools and a relaxed vibe.
Anaheim is the pricier choice but offers more amenities, attractions, and a newer housing stock. It’s a good fit for households willing to pay a bit more for a lively community near major employers and destinations.
Of course, the right choice depends on your specific budget, commute, and preferences. Be sure to compare cost of living factors for other nearby cities like Fullerton, Orange, and Yorba Linda to find the best fit. If you need help with relocation, see our 2025 moving company picks.