Are you considering a move to Lake Forest, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Lake Forest, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Lake Forest, California and help you understand whether $3680 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $6819.33.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
100.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.83 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.75 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
3.25 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.96 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.98 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.82 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
22.05 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
30.31 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
15.43 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.59 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
7.72 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
6.67 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
8.27 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
6.17 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.19 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
120.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
60.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.25 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
-- |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23000.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
355.86 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
78.33 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
-- |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
55.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
35.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
105.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
-- |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1000.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
6819.33 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Lake Forest, California come to a total of approximately $3680. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $395 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1646 per month.
Living in Lake Forest, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $6819.33. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Lake Forest, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $6819.33.
In Lake Forest, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $6819.33, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Lake Forest, California is approximately $1000. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $None for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Lake Forest, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1328 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a low overall risk here. The crime rates are exceptionally low. It regularly ranks as one of the best places or safest places to live. You will need to like the outdoors if you want to keep busy in Lake Forest.
You can use the Orange County Transportation Authority bus line, or if you want to use MetroLink, there's a stop in nearby Irvine. Cabs and rideshares are available, but it's a great idea to have a car here. If you are driving and take highway 241, you need to know that it's a toll road. You can set up payment through your car rental company. All options are low-risk.
There's just a one in 137 chance of being a theft victim and only 4 pickpockets or purse snatching were reported in 2020, so you have a low risk.
There's a medium risk here as earthquakes, wildfire, and flooding can happen in Lake Forest. The city has a comprehensive preparation plan on its website, including a 3-day survival kit recommendation.
There's a low risk here. Just 26 robberies were reported in Lake Forest in 2020, one of the lowest robbery rates I've ever seen.
Since it's in the Los Angeles Metro Area and there are so many tourist attractions around as well as a large population, we've got to call it a medium risk.
There aren't any scams reported in Lake Forest that would impact tourists, so you've got a low risk. Don't let that put your guard down, new scams pop up all the time and you should get the Better Business Bureau for the Lake Forest area before you go.
There's no reason for a woman to feel unsafe here. There's a low risk of being a victim of a crime. Be sure to research surrounding cities if you plan on traveling outside of Lake Forest because not all communities in the area are this safe.
Not only does the El Toro Water District make sure all tap water meets or exceeds standards, but it also states, "In some cases, ETWD goes beyond what is required by testing for unregulated chemicals that may have known health risks but do not have drinking water standards."
The Visa requirements are handled at the airport and there's no additional processing to get into Lake Forest.
Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted here and there's little need to carry cash around. Even the toll roads take credit cards without you even having to stop at a toll booth. Keep purchases on one credit card and don't bring cards that you don't need.
Layers are key throughout the year in Lake Forest. The winters have highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s. Fall and Spring bring 70s for highs and 50s for lows. In the hottest part of the summer, you'll have lower-80s for highs and 60s for lows. Usually, during the summer, there might be a few days during a heatwave when the temperatures get close to the triple digits.
John Wayne Airport is the closest, just 20 miles west. One thing to note about this airport is it's ranked as one of the scariest take-offs. Due to noise ordinances, planes have a short runway and have to get above a certain height within minutes. It can feel like you're on a rocket taking off. You can get to the Long Beach International Airport in less than 45 minutes. LAX is less than an hour north. The San Diego airport is less than 90 minutes south.
Plan on getting travel insurance for a trip to Lake Forest since there are so many weather woes that can happen, from wildfires to earthquakes to flooding.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 67°F | 67°F | 69°F | 71°F | 73°F | 77°F | 81°F | 82°F | 81°F | 77°F | 71°F | 66°F |
| Temp | 56°F | 57°F | 58°F | 61°F | 64°F | 67°F | 71°F | 72°F | 70°F | 66°F | 61°F | 56°F |
| Low | 48°F | 49°F | 51°F | 53°F | 56°F | 60°F | 63°F | 63°F | 62°F | 58°F | 52°F | 48°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 25°C | 21°C | 18°C |
| Temp | 13°C | 13°C | 14°C | 16°C | 17°C | 19°C | 21°C | 22°C | 21°C | 18°C | 16°C | 13°C |
| Low | 8°C | 9°C | 10°C | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 17°C | 17°C | 16°C | 14°C | 11°C | 8°C |