Cost of Living in Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Key facts

Rent (1-bedroom)
$2,222/month
U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
Median household income
$120,919
U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
Regional price parity
110.7 (above national average)
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
Utilities (monthly)
$313/month
U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
Rent burden (of income)
22% (affordable)
Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31

Can you afford this city?

You'd need about
$4,220
Groceries (est.)
$435
Monthly surplus
$780

Salary needed to live here

Salary needed (gross/yr)
$62,916
Gross per month
$5,243
Comfortable budget
$3,670

Huntington Beach, CA vs the US average

Cost metrics vs US average, with sources
MetricValuevs US avg
Median household income
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$120,919+56% vs US
Median home value
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$1,100,000+223% vs US
Rent (1BR)
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$2,222+71% vs US
Rent (2BR)
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$2,543+73% vs US
Grocery cost index
(BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024)
106.1+6% vs US
Utilities (monthly)
(EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026)
$313+53% vs US

Cost breakdown vs US average

Cost breakdown vs US averageBar chart comparing 4 metrics to US national averages.Median household income$120,919US avg $77,719Rent (1BR)$2,222US avg $1,300Grocery cost index106.1US avg 100.0Utilities (monthly)$313US avg $205

Download this data (CSV)

What it costs to live in Huntington Beach

A one-bedroom rental in Huntington Beach, CA runs about $2,222 per month — well above the national median of $1,300 (71% more). The median household income here is $120,919, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 22% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $1,100,000 is about 9.1× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. That's 223% above the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities here run about $313/month — 53% above the national average of $205, driven by local climate and energy rates. Overall prices in the area run 11% above the national level (BEA regional price parity index: 110.72). Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.

Buying a home in Huntington Beach?

Mortgage payment calculator

Monthly payment (PITI)
$2,658
Principal & interest
$2,108
Total interest
$438,707

Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.

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Cite this page

CostAlmanac US, *Huntington Beach, CA — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/huntington-beach-ca

Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.