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Laguna Niguel, CA vs Ontario, CA

218
Laguna Niguel
California
VS
+53.1%
142
Ontario
California

The cost of living difference between Laguna Niguel, CA and Ontario, CA is dramatic. Ontario is 53.1% cheaper than Laguna Niguel, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Laguna Niguel has a cost index of 218 while Ontario sits at 142, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Laguna Niguel is $2,819/month compared to $1,916/month in Ontario — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ontario is more affordable at $568,000 median vs $1,123,000.

Median household income in Laguna Niguel is $140,605 compared to $82,806 in Ontario (+69.8%). While Laguna Niguel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Laguna Niguel spend roughly 24.1% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Ontario.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.9°F vs 66.8°F). Ontario receives more rainfall at 11.6" per year compared to 11.2" in Laguna Niguel.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Laguna Niguel
218
Ontario
142
35% cheaper
Median Household Income
Laguna Niguel
$140,605
41% higher
Ontario
$82,806

Housing

Median Rent
Laguna Niguel
$2,819
Ontario
$1,916
32% cheaper
Median Home Value
Laguna Niguel
$1,123,000
Ontario
$568,000
49% cheaper
Population
Laguna Niguel
64,023
Ontario
178,347

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Laguna Niguel $2,031
Ontario $2,020
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Laguna Niguel $2,272
Ontario $2,148
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Laguna Niguel $2,835
Ontario $2,675
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Laguna Niguel $3,599
Ontario $3,520
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Laguna Niguel $4,010
Ontario $4,178
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Laguna Niguel $3.28
Ontario $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Laguna Niguel $2.68
Ontario $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Laguna Niguel $4.31
Ontario $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Laguna Niguel $1.98
Ontario $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Laguna Niguel $4.44
Ontario $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Laguna Niguel $0.27
Ontario $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Laguna Niguel 64.9°F
Ontario 66.8°F
Summer High
Laguna Niguel 79°F
Ontario 94°F
Winter Low
Laguna Niguel 49°F
Ontario 45°F
Rainfall
Laguna Niguel 11.2"
Ontario 11.6"
Rainy Days
Laguna Niguel 41d
Ontario 36d