Lake Forest, CA vs Mission Viejo, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lake Forest has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lake Forest | Mission Viejo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 191 | 202 | Lake Forest |
| Housing | 252 ($1,831) | 272 ($1,899) | Lake Forest |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 176 ($722) | 182 ($746) | Lake Forest |
| Utilities | 176 ($454) | 186 ($490) | Lake Forest |
| Healthcare | 176 ($328) | 186 ($354) | Lake Forest |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Forest, CA or Mission Viejo, CA cheaper to live in?
Lake Forest, CA is cheaper overall by about 11 index points (Lake Forest, CA: 191, Mission Viejo, CA: 202; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lake Forest, CA vs Mission Viejo, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,850/year in Lake Forest, CA and $70,700/year in Mission Viejo, CA to cover basic living costs.