Orange County, CA, is one of the most recognizable counties in southern California. From the laid-back beach town of Seal Beach to the iconic Anaheim, Orange County has plenty of cities to explore. The region’s Mediterranean climate, vibrant lifestyle, and access to dining, shopping, and entertainment make it a great area to call home.
If you’re looking to live in Orange County, keep in mind the median home sale price is $1,085,000. If this price is out of your budget, we’ve got you covered.
Redfin has collected a list of the most affordable places to live in Orange County – and they all have median home sale prices under the county’s average. That way, you can make Orange County your home without exceeding your budget. Let’s jump in and see what cities made the list.
1. Seal Beach
Median home price: $351,000
Average sale price per square foot: $378
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,843
Median household income: $75,507
Seal Beach, CA homes for sale
Seal Beach, CA apartments for rent
The first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Orange County is the charming coastal city of Seal Beach. The area has a median home sale price of $351,000, meaning it’s significantly less expensive than other Orange County cities. Seal Beach has a population of about 25,200 and is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint downtown area, and the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. The city also has several parks and historic places, making it a great place to live.
2. Stanton
Median home price: $600,000
Average sale price per square foot: $617
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,843
Median household income: $76,123
Stanton, CA homes for sale
Stanton, CA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $600,000, Stanton is second on our list. The area is home to about 37,900 residents and is situated in northern Orange County, near Anaheim. The city has several parks, including Stanton Central Park and Adventure City, a theme park. There are plenty of things to explore while living in Stanton.
3. Santa Ana
Median home price: $775,000
Average sale price per square foot: $545
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,737
Median household income: $84,210
Santa Ana, CA homes for sale
Santa Ana, CA apartments for rent
A well-known city in Orange County, Santa Ana, has a median home sale price of $775,000. The city has roughly 310,200 residents, so you’ll be living in a larger city. Santa Ana has a rich cultural heritage, with attractions like the Bowers Museum, the Heritage Museum of Orange County, and the Santa Ana Zoo. Residents also enjoy easy access to several parks and historic places, like Centennial Park and The Observatory.
4. La Habra
Median home price: $790,000
Average sale price per square foot: $561
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,937
Median household income: $93,801
La Habra, CA homes for sale
La Habra, CA apartments for rent
Located in northwest Orange County, La Habra is the fourth city to make our list. With a population of 63,100 and a median home sale price of $790,000, La Habra is a great alternative to the county’s larger cities. The city has home to several parks, including La Bonita Park and Vista Grande Park. It also has a rich history, with historic places like the La Habra Depot Theatre and the Children’s Museum at La Habra.
5. Garden Grove
Median home price: $862,000
Average sale price per square foot: $607
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,052
Median household income: $86,139
Garden Grove, CA homes for sale
Garden Grove, CA apartments for rent
Next up is Garden Grove, conveniently located near major cities like Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana. The home sale prices are about 220K less than the average price in Orange County, meaning you’ll stay well within your budget. Garden Grove is known for its annual Strawberry Festival and has several parks, including Garden Grove Park and Edgar Park.
6. Anaheim
Median home price: $905,000
Average sale price per square foot: $543
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,048
Median household income: $88,538
Anaheim, CA homes for sale
Anaheim, CA apartments for rent
The home of Disneyland, Anaheim, takes the sixth spot on our list of affordable places to live in Orange County. Anaheim has a population of 346,800 and has a median home sale price of $905,000. In addition to the Disneyland Parks, Anaheim has other popular attractions like Angel Stadium, the Anaheim Convention Center, the Honda Center, and picturesque parks in the Anaheim Hills.
7. Rancho Santa Margarita
Median home price: $907,000
Average sale price per square foot: $599
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,553
Median household income: $150,146
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA homes for sale
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA apartments for rent
A planned community, Rancho Santa Margarita, has about 47,900 residents. The city is known for its beautiful Lago Santa Margarita and O’Neill Regional Park, giving residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy a sunny day in southern California.
8. Buena Park
Median home price: $918,000
Average sale price per square foot: $591
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,965
Median household income: $101,586
Buena Park, CA homes for sale
Buena Park, CA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $918,000, Buena Park is eighth on our list. Famous for the Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park and the iconic boysenberry, Buena Park has a lot to offer its residents. There are also several parks, including Ralph B. Clark Regional Park and Emery Park, to explore on a warm day.
9. Laguna Hills
Median home price: $920,000
Average sale price per square foot: $624
Median household income: $122,902
Laguna Hills, CA homes for sale
Laguna Hills, CA apartments for rent
Next up is Laguna Hills, with a population of 31,400 and a median home sale price of $920,000. The city is known for its picturesque Nellie Gail Ranch and close proximity to the famous Laguna Beach.
10. Cypress
Median home price: $935,000
Average sale price per square foot: $589
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,850
Median household income: $117,461
Cypress, CA homes for sale
Cypress, CA apartments for rent
Landing the tenth and final spot on our list of affordable places to live in Orange County is Cypress. There are about 50,100 residents so you’ll have a fraction of the population of other larger cities in the area. You’ll also save about 150K on home prices in the area. Cypress is home to several parks, including Oak Knoll Park and Arnold Cypress Park, so there’s plenty to explore here.
Methodology: All cities must have over 20,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median list price in Orange County, CA. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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