Orange, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Relocating to Orange County and deciding between Orange and Ontario? This cost of living comparison breaks down housing, utilities, groceries and more to help you choose the city that fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
On average, the cost of living is 18% higher in Orange compared to Ontario. Here’s how the expenses break down:
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Orange and Ontario. The median home price in Orange is $998,000, while Ontario’s median price is $595,000.
| Housing | Orange | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Rent | $2,850 | $2,195 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $998,000 | $595,000 |
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Housing costs are significantly lower in Ontario, with savings of over $400 per month on rent and $400,000 on home prices compared to Orange.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities have similar utility costs, with Orange residents paying about 5% more per month on average:
- In Orange, expect to pay around $180 per month for a 1,000 sq ft apartment
- Ontario utility bills average $170 per month for the same sized unit
Energy use peaks in the summer in both cities. Opting into off-peak plans can help keep air conditioning costs under control.
🏆 Winner: Ontario, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Orange residents spend about 8% more on groceries and everyday items compared to Ontario.
- Expect to budget $400-500 per month for groceries for a single person in Orange
- In Ontario, allocate $380-450 for an individual’s grocery expenses
Restaurant prices are also about 5-10% higher in Orange vs Ontario.
🏆 Winner: Ontario. The cost of groceries and dining out is more affordable in Ontario compared to Orange.
4. Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25%, but most cities charge additional taxes on top of that:
- In Orange, the total sales tax rate is 7.75%
- Ontario’s sales tax is slightly higher at 8.00%
Property taxes are also marginally higher in Ontario. The average effective property tax rate is 0.74% in Ontario vs 0.71% in Orange.
🏆 Winner: Orange. While the difference is minor, Orange has a lower overall tax burden compared to Ontario when accounting for both sales and property taxes.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Orange | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,850 | $2,195 | +30% |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 | +6% |
| Groceries | $450 | $415 | +8% |
| Transportation | $75 | $68 | +10% |
| Taxes | 7.75% | 8.00% | -0.25% |
| Misc | $250 | $225 | +11% |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,805 | $3,073 | +24% |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Ontario offers a lower cost of living, there are tradeoffs to consider:
- Orange is more walkable and bike-friendly
- Ontario offers more spacious, affordable housing
- Commuting from Ontario to central Orange County takes 20% longer on average.
- Summer temperatures are 5°F hotter on average in Ontario.
7. FAQ
Is Orange more affordable than Ontario?
No, the cost of living in Orange is about 18% higher than Ontario as of 2025. Housing is the primary factor, with Orange home prices and rents around 30% more expensive.
Which city has lower rent?
Ontario has significantly lower rent, with median prices around $655 less per month compared to Orange.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Ontario home prices are much more affordable, with a median price of $595,000 compared to $998,000 in Orange – a difference of over $400,000.
8. Conclusion
Ontario offers a meaningfully lower cost of living compared to Orange, primarily due to more affordable housing. A household moving from Orange to Ontario could save $400/month on housing costs alone.
However, the lower cost comes with tradeoffs like a longer commute and hotter weather. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, housing needs, and lifestyle priorities.
Considering other Southern California cities? Check out our cost of living guide for Orange and monthly budget examples for Orange residents to explore how your expenses may change in other locations.