How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Tustin?

Aim for a gross (pre-tax) household income of at least $75,000 annually for a single person or $150,000 for a family to live comfortably while covering housing, food, and basic expenses in Tustin.

Is Tustin more affordable than nearby cities?

Tustin's cost of living is slightly lower than Irvine but higher than Santa Ana, Orange, and most cities in Riverside County. Housing costs are the main factor.

Are utilities expensive in Tustin?

Utility costs in Tustin are about 10-15% higher than the national average. Expect to pay premium rates for electricity, gas, water and trash service.

How much is the average rent in Tustin?

As of 2025, average rent in Tustin is $2,800 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $3,600 for a 3-bedroom house. Newer luxury units may cost 10-20% more.

What salary do you need to buy a house in Tustin?

To afford the median home price of $950,000 with a 20% down payment, aim to earn at least $150,000 per year or $12,500 per month before taxes. This factors in mortgage, insurance, property taxes and basic living expenses.

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Tustin?

The Columbus Grove and Tustin Meadows areas tend to have lower housing costs relative to other parts of Tustin. But prices are rising citywide, so deals can be hard to find.

Cost of Living in Tustin (2025 Guide)

By IndexYard Editorial Team | Published: June 8, 2025

Part of the Tustin, CA series

Living comfortably in Tustin, CA in 2025 requires an estimated gross monthly income of $6,200 for a couple or small family. For a single person, budget around $4,000 per month before taxes to cover essential costs.

Housing Costs in Tustin

A family playing catch together in a neighborhood park in Tustin, California — Tustin’s parks and green spaces provide ample room for family fun and weekend leisure activities, an appealing perk of the suburban lifestyle for many residents.

Housing is the biggest expense for most Tustin residents. The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Tustin is approximately $2,800 per month as of 2025. Renting a 3-bedroom house costs around $3,600 monthly.

For those looking to purchase a home, expect to pay between $850,000 to $1.2 million for a typical 3-bedroom single family house in Tustin. With a 20% down payment, this equates to a monthly mortgage of roughly $3,800 to $5,400, not including property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees which are common in many Tustin neighborhoods.

Housing	Monthly Cost
2BR Apartment Rent	$2,800
3BR House Rent	$3,600
3BR House Mortgage	$3,800 – $5,400

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Tustin are slightly higher than the national average. Budget around $200 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs spiking to $300 or more during hot summer months to run air conditioning. Gas may cost $40-80 monthly depending on the season.

Water, sewer, and trash are often included in apartment rents but can add $80-120 per month otherwise. Internet and cable packages start around $80 for basic service. Mobile phone plans average $80 per line for unlimited data.

Groceries and Daily Living Expenses

Food costs in Tustin are about 10% higher than the US average. Expect to spend a minimum of $400 per month on groceries per person, or $800+ for a couple. This assumes mostly cooking at home.

Dining out costs vary, but allocate at least $25 per person for a basic meal out, or up to $80 per person at nicer establishments. A typical fast food combo runs $8-12 in Tustin.

Household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods may cost $150-200 per month for a 2-person household. Personal care services like haircuts cost $40-80 each.

Taxes and Fees to Consider

Tustin’s sales tax rate is 7.75% as of 2025, which applies to most goods and services. California charges annual vehicle registration fees around 0.65% of the vehicle’s value, so budget $200-500 per vehicle depending on its age and model.

If you purchase a home in Tustin, property taxes will cost roughly 1.1% of the assessed value annually. On an $800,000 home, that’s $8,800 per year or $733 per month. Many newer neighborhoods also charge Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, typically $200-500 monthly, to maintain community amenities.

Estimated Monthly Budget for Tustin

Expense	Single Person	Couple	Family of 4
Housing (rent/mortgage)	$2,000	$2,800	$3,800
Utilities	$250	$400	$600
Groceries & Dining Out	$500	$1,000	$1,600
Transportation & Vehicle Costs	$500	$800	$1,200
Health Insurance	$300	$600	$1,200
Other (entertainment, shopping, etc)	$400	$600	$800
Monthly Total (Gross Income Needed)	$3,950	$6,200	$9,200

Lifestyle Considerations in Tustin

Tustin offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to job centers and attractions in nearby Irvine and Anaheim. Commute times for those working locally average 20-30 minutes. Homes in Tustin are a mix of older ranch-style houses and newer developments with more square footage and amenities.

Residents enjoy ample parks, hiking trails, farmer’s markets, and good public schools. However, the tradeoff for this safe, family-friendly atmosphere is a higher cost of living compared to farther-flung suburbs. Tustin’s housing costs are above average for the region, so budget accordingly.

To comfortably afford living in Tustin, aim for a household income 3-4x your monthly rent or mortgage payment. Factor in additional savings for retirement, college, and emergencies on top of the core living expenses outlined here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Tustin?
Aim for a gross (pre-tax) household income of at least $75,000 annually for a single person or $150,000 for a family to live comfortably while covering housing, food, and basic expenses in Tustin.
Is Tustin more affordable than nearby cities?
Tustin’s cost of living is slightly lower than Irvine but higher than Santa Ana, Orange, and most cities in Riverside County. Housing costs are the main factor.
Are utilities expensive in Tustin?
Utility costs in Tustin are about 10-15% higher than the national average. Expect to pay premium rates for electricity, gas, water and trash service.
How much is the average rent in Tustin?
As of 2025, average rent in Tustin is $2,800 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $3,600 for a 3-bedroom house. Newer luxury units may cost 10-20% more.
What salary do you need to buy a house in Tustin?
To afford the median home price of $950,000 with a 20% down payment, aim to earn at least $150,000 per year or $12,500 per month before taxes. This factors in mortgage, insurance, property taxes and basic living expenses.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Tustin?
The Columbus Grove and Tustin Meadows areas tend to have lower housing costs relative to other parts of Tustin. But prices are rising citywide, so deals can be hard to find.