Housing Costs in Chino Hills
Housing is the biggest expense for most Chino Hills residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Chino Hills is approximately $2,450 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom house, expect to pay around $3,200 per month in rent or a mortgage payment of $3,600 with a 20% down payment.
Here’s a comparison of common housing options in Chino Hills:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,450 |
| 3BR House (Rent) | $3,200 |
| 3BR House (Buy) | $3,600 |
Keep in mind that many Chino Hills neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). If you buy a home in an HOA, expect to pay an additional $200-400 per month in dues on top of your mortgage.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Chino Hills are slightly higher than the national average. For a typical 3-bedroom home, budget around $250 per month for electricity, $75 for natural gas, $100 for water, and $40 for trash pickup.
Chino Hills experiences hot summers, so electric bills often spike from June through September due to air conditioning usage. In peak summer months, cooling can add $100+ to your monthly electric bill.
Here’s a monthly utilities budget for a 3-bedroom Chino Hills home:
- Electricity: $250
- Natural Gas: $75
- Water: $100
- Trash: $40
- Total: $465/month
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Chino Hills are about 10% higher than the national average. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $1,000 for a family of four.
Dining out will add to your food budget. A meal at a mid-range Chino Hills restaurant costs about $18 per person. For a family of four that eats out twice a week, that’s an extra $576 per month.
Don’t forget household essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and paper goods. Budget $50-75 per person monthly for these items in Chino Hills.
Taxes and Fees
Chino Hills has a sales tax rate of 7.75% as of 2025. If you own a home, you’ll also pay property taxes. The average effective property tax rate in Chino Hills is 1.1%, which equals $6,600 per year on a $600,000 home.
California charges annual vehicle registration fees based on the value of your car. For a $25,000 vehicle, budget about $200 per year. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, add $200-400 per month for association dues.
Here’s a summary of common Chino Hills taxes and fees:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 7.75% | $38.75 on $500 purchase |
| Property Tax | 1.1% | $550/month on $600K home |
| Vehicle Fee | 0.65% | $200/year on $25K car |
| HOA Dues | $200-400 | Varies by neighborhood |
Monthly Budget Summary
So how much does it really cost to live in Chino Hills? Here’s a sample monthly budget for a couple and a family of four:
| Expense | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $3,200 | $3,200 |
| Utilities | $400 | $465 |
| Groceries | $800 | $1,000 |
| Dining Out | $288 | $576 |
| Household Items | $150 | $300 |
| HOA Dues | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $5,138 | $5,841 |
Based on these estimates, a couple would need to earn around $5,100 per month in gross income (before taxes) to live comfortably in Chino Hills. For a family of four, a monthly gross income closer to $5,800 may be required. Of course, your actual budget will depend on your specific lifestyle and housing choices.
Lifestyle Considerations
Chino Hills offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to job centers in Los Angeles and Orange County. Commute times average 30-40 minutes. Most homes in Chino Hills are newer construction, built in the 1990s or later. You’ll find a mix of tract homes, custom houses, townhomes and apartments.
The tradeoff for newer homes is less affordability compared to older suburbs. You get more space and updated features in Chino Hills, but at a higher cost than communities with older housing stock. Access to good schools and ample parks and trails are other benefits that attract families to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you need to make to live in Chino Hills?
To live comfortably in Chino Hills, aim for a monthly gross (pre-tax) income of at least $5,100 for a couple or $5,800 for a family of four. This factors in average housing, food, utilities and other basic expenses.
Is Chino Hills an expensive place to live?
Yes, the cost of living in Chino Hills is about 40% higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor, with home prices and rents well above typical U.S. suburbs.
How much is an apartment in Chino Hills?
As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Chino Hills is around $2,450 per month. Prices range from $2,100 for a basic unit up to $3,000+ for a luxury complex.
What salary do you need to buy a house in Chino Hills?
To afford a typical 3-bedroom house in Chino Hills (median price $750,000), you’d need a household income of roughly $13,000 per month before taxes. This assumes a 20% down payment and 30-year mortgage at 4% interest.
Is Chino Hills cheaper than Los Angeles?
Chino Hills is slightly less expensive than Los Angeles, but not by a huge margin. Housing costs are about 10% lower in Chino Hills. However, Chino Hills is pricier than nearby suburbs like Ontario, Pomona or Fontana.
What are the pros and cons of living in Chino Hills?
The main advantages of Chino Hills include good schools, newer housing, low crime rates, and access to outdoor recreation. Downsides are high housing costs, above-average taxes, and long commutes for some residents.
How much are property taxes in Chino Hills?
The average effective property tax rate in Chino Hills is 1.1%. For a $600,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $6,600, or $550 per month.