Orange County occupies the Los Angeles metropolitan area in Southern California. The county is the state’s third-most populous part of the state, with more than 3 million residents. The three most populous cities within Orange County include Irvine, Santa Ana, and Anaheim, each with more than 250,000 residents. Six cities in the county are on the Pacific coast, offering beachfront access and beautiful views. Much of the county includes single-family homes in neighborhoods, although the northern and central portions are more urbanized and densely populated. When you’re relocating on a budget, consider the cheapest places to live in Orange County.
Median Income in Orange County
The cost of living in California is higher than the national average, and Southern California is one of the most expensive parts of the state. According to the latest U.S. Census data (2021), Orange County has a median household income of $100,485, which is substantially higher than the national median income of $70,784.
The overall cost of living in California is nearly 150% of the national average, while the cost of living in Orange County is higher at 167.7% of the national average. Utilities and health care are slightly more affordable in the state and in Orange County, which helps offset the total cost of living. Since the housing market is expensive, renters have to pay more to live in the county. Certain areas of Orange County are more expensive, particularly those located close to the coastline. Below you’ll find our picks for the most affordable cities in Orange County.
Cheap Living Areas in Orange County
Although it’s a more expensive place to live in the country, you can find cheap places to live near Irvine, California and more affordable places to live in Orange County.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana, which is one of the relatively cheapest city to live in Orange County, includes an eclectic mix of established residents and newcomers, along with a rich blend of cultures. Some of its most historic neighborhoods include Washington Square, French Park, and Floral Park, while the downtown area offers more urban development and places to eat and shop. The city continues to change and expand, creating an appealing and welcoming oasis for people from all areas.
Buena Park
Buena Park is another cheap place to live in Orange County. You’ll find Buena Park, with more than 80,000 residents, in northwestern Orange County. This city is also the home of Knott’s Berry Farm, an amusement park that draws many visitors to the area every year. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the 105-acre Ralph B. Clark Regional Park at the base of the West Coyote Hills, and it offers a stocked fishing pond, a small museum, and nature trails.
Anaheim
Anaheim, a well-known city in Orange County, is the home of Disneyland Resort. Anaheim is the most populous city in the county with more than 330,000 residents and was previously an agricultural community until Disneyland opened in the mid-20th century. The city’s economy now heavily relies on tourism and the manufacturing of electronics, canned fruit, and aircraft parts. Downtown Anaheim serves as the heart of the city’s historic district, featuring a library, police headquarters, city hall, and an eatery housed in a century-old packing house.
Garden Grove
Garden Grove, with its rugged boundaries and multiple panhandles, offers another affordable city in Orange County. Garden Grove borders Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Westminster, Cypress, Orange, Seal Beach, Anaheim, and Los Alamitos. If you visit during Memorial Day weekend, you’ll discover the community’s annual strawberry festival, one of the largest community festivals on the U.S. West Coast. The event honors the city’s early agricultural production era, which included crops of strawberries, walnuts, oranges, and chili peppers.
Brea
Brea is in northern Orange County and has a bustling downtown area with its shopping mall. The city’s name means “tar” or “oil” in Spanish, a term that connects back to its early days as a crude oil production center. Over the years, Brea has also served as a citrus production center. Today, the community is now an important retail center for county residents. If you’re a fan of community art, you’ll love the more than 140 art pieces placed all around the city for public enjoyment. Many public art programs throughout the country have followed Brea’s public art program as an example.
Most affordable rent in Orange County
According to an article published in the Orange County Register, the average rent cost in Orange County is $2,004 per month, nearly $100 higher than the average rent in neighboring Los Angeles County. Among 82 larger metropolitan areas tracked in the research, Orange and Los Angeles counties ranked No. 10 and No. 11 on the list of highest apartment rents. Rent in Orange County increased by more than 2% between 2018 and 2019, and certain parts of the county mark more substantial price jumps.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Ana is $2,044 per month. In Buena Park, residents pay an average of $1,973 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while Anaheim’s rental rates are approximately $1,995 per month. Living in Garden Grove will cost an average of $1,975 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Brea’s average rental prices for the same unit size are approximately $2,670 per month, which marks a 4% increase over the previous year.
Frequently asked questions
Orange County is known for its beautiful coastal cities, stunning beaches, vibrant arts and culture scene, and proximity to major attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. However, it is also known for being an expensive place to live.
Yes, Orange County is generally considered an expensive place to live. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods and cities within the county that offer a lower cost of living compared to some of the more affluent areas.
Yes, there are a few factors to consider. It’s important to look at the overall cost of living, including housing, transportation, and utilities. Additionally, proximity to employment opportunities, schools, and amenities such as parks and shopping centers can also be important considerations.
Orange County has a well-connected transportation system, including bus services provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
For many people, the higher cost of living in Orange County is well worth the access to the Pacific coastline, world-renowned attractions, and pleasant weather throughout the year. If you want to live in this beautiful part of California, start your search on Zumper where you’ll find thousands of apartments and homes for rent.
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