F
103%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
320%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Dana Point California National
Cost of living203140100
Goods & Services112111100
Groceries113112100
Health care99109100
Housing420196100
Transportation124126100
Utilities94127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Dana Point, CA

The cost of living in Dana Point affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Dana Point is 203, which is 103% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Dana Point is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Dana Point falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Dana Point cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 320% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Everyday goods and services make up 33% of the cost of living index and include things like clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment which are a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Unfortunately, Dana Point goods and services are 12% more expensive than the national average, leaving you with less money at the end of the month.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Dana Point, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.1% higher than the national average.

Is Dana Point Affordable?

Is Dana Point affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Dana Point, for instance, where the median home price falls 399.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 133.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Dana Point flaunting a median household income of $105,250, 90.2% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dana Point?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Dana Point, the standard sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 1%.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Dana Point, the housing index stands at 320% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Dana Point cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dana Point is 46% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Dana Point is 103% higher than the national average
  • Dana Point housing is 320% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Dana Point

See all the best places to live around Dana Point

Compare Dana Point, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$117,324$9,777$2,737$3,520
      Renters$81,695$6,808$1,906$2,451
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Dana Point, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Dana Point, homeowners have a median income of $117,324. Using that number, a maximum of $2,737 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $81,695, which means there is a maximum of $1,906 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.27$24.2612.4%
      Beauty Salon $41.78$45.568.3%
      Toothpaste $3.61$3.702.6%
      Shampoo $1.34$1.284.9%
      Movie $11.04$12.139.0%
      Bowling $21.11$18.0017.3%

      Groceries

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.89$5.840.8%
      Fried Chicken $3.49$1.57121.9%
      Milk $4.92$4.675.4%
      Potatoes $4.92$4.930.3%
      Pizza $15.31$12.0926.6%
      Beer $10.26$10.411.4%

      Health Care

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $112.92$125.6810.2%
      Doctor $95.50$135.7829.7%
      Dentist $117.28$113.293.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.58$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $521.17$468.6011.2%

      Housing

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      Home Price $923,100.00$184,700.00399.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,441.43$2,346.694.0%
      Apartment Rent $2,219.00$949.00133.8%

      Transportation

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.75$3.4637.3%
      Tire Balancing $61.38$59.922.4%

      Utilities

      Item Dana Point National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $378.97$193.9995.4%
      Phone $180.31$192.256.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Las Flores CDP (Tehama County), CA32411110.6%
      Laguna Woods, CA16,05613029.7%
      Aliso Viejo, CA50,38517474.2%
      Rancho Santa Margarita, CA48,28017574.9%
      Lake Forest, CA84,66617575.2%
      Dana Point, CA33,782203103.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kearney, NE33,783927.7%
      Spanaway, WA33,77612424.5%
      San Dimas, CA33,81216463.5%
      Ken Caryl, CO33,81513434.3%
      Newark, DE33,82211716.8%
      Dana Point, CA33,782203103.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.