Tustin, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Tustin vs Ontario. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Tustin vs Ontario in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Tustin and Ontario compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Tustin | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $950,000 | $750,000 |
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be more affordable in Ontario compared to Tustin.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Tustin, monthly utility costs for a typical household average around $180 for electricity, $60 for gas, and $80 for water and sewer. Ontario utility bills are fairly similar, averaging $170 for electricity, $55 for gas, and $75 for water and sewer per month.
Both cities experience hot summers, so expect air conditioning to drive up electric bills from June through September. Many homes have pools, which can also add to water and energy costs.
🏆 Winner: Ontario, but only slightly. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities, with Ontario coming out around 5% cheaper on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, Tustin and Ontario are fairly even. A gallon of milk averages $3.80 in Tustin and $3.60 in Ontario. A dozen eggs cost around $3 in both cities, while a loaf of bread goes for about $2.50.
Eating out is also similar. A basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages $18 in Tustin and $17 in Ontario, while a mid-range 3-course dinner for two ranges from $70-80 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Groceries and dining out cost about the same in Tustin and Ontario, with Ontario having a slight edge of around 2-3% lower prices overall.
Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes and sales taxes compared to other states. However, property taxes are more reasonable due to Proposition 13 limits. Effective property tax rates average 0.72% in Tustin and 0.81% in Ontario as of 2025.
In Tustin, many neighborhoods have Mello-Roos taxes, which are additional property taxes to fund local infrastructure and schools. These can add 0.1% to 1.5% to your effective property tax rate. Ontario has fewer Mello-Roos districts.
🏆 Winner: Ontario. While both cities have lower property taxes than the national average, Ontario comes out ahead with slightly lower tax rates and fewer added assessments compared to Tustin.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Tustin | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $320 | $300 |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 |
| Transportation | $80 | $70 |
| Taxes | 0.72% | 0.81% |
| Miscellaneous | $650 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,250 | $3,750 |
Figures are estimates based on a 2BR rental for a typical family. Your actual cost of living will depend on your specific housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices.
Lifestyle Fit
While Ontario is more affordable overall, Tustin offers some lifestyle advantages:
- Tustin is closer to the beach and has slightly cooler summer temperatures than Ontario.
- Tustin schools rank higher on average, which is a consideration for families.
- Ontario has a longer average commute of 35 minutes vs 27 minutes in Tustin.
- Ontario offers more affordable space and lot sizes for the money.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your family’s priorities, like budgeting, commute, schools, and housing needs. Weigh each category carefully to determine which city offers the ideal mix of cost and lifestyle for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tustin more affordable than Ontario?
No, Ontario is generally more affordable than Tustin, especially for housing. However, Tustin has the advantage of higher-ranked schools and proximity to the coast.
Which city has lower rent?
Ontario has lower rent on average. A typical 2BR apartment goes for around $2,400 per month in Ontario compared to $2,800 in Tustin.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Ontario has lower home prices. The median price for a 3BR house is around $750,000 in Ontario versus $950,000 in Tustin as of 2025.
Conclusion
Overall, Ontario comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison with Tustin. Ontario offers meaningfully lower housing costs, both for renting and buying. It also has slightly lower utility, grocery, and tax costs, adding up to a cost of living that is around 10-15% cheaper than Tustin overall.
However, affordability is just one factor to consider. Tustin is closer to the beach with better schools, while Ontario provides more house for the money. Consider all the factors holistically to determine which city is the best fit for your family’s needs, budget, and lifestyle.