Is Orange expensive to live in?

Orange is considered expensive, with a cost index of 162 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 62% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $3,200, and the median household income is $116,945.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Orange?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $128,000/year to afford median rent in Orange. The median household income is $116,945, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 33%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Orange?

The median rent in Orange is $3,200 per month. Housing costs score 255 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 155% more expensive than the US average.

How does Orange compare to the national average cost of living?

Orange's overall cost index is 162 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (255), food & groceries (159), transportation (154), utilities (149), and healthcare (167). Orange is above average in most categories.

Is Orange, California a good place to live?

Orange has a population of 138,337 and a median household income of $116,945. With a cost index of 162, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 33%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Orange?

To find the most affordable cities near Orange in California, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the California state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Orange

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 162

Median rent: $3,200

Median income: $116,945

Cost Index

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Median Rent

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About Orange

Living in Orange, California

Orange, California is a growing city with a population of approximately 138,337. The overall cost of living index sits at 162, which is significantly above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 62% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Orange. Median rent is $3,200 per month, while the median home price is $1,113,823. At a median household income of $116,945, rent consumes roughly 33% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 255 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Orange with a sub-index of 167, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 149. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: California applies a 13.30% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.71% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.85%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Orange has remained relatively stable. Among the 61 tracked cities in California, Orange ranks #51 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Orange actually costs.

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