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City Report · CA

Laguna Niguel

Pop. 64,139·91st most expensive in California·Laguna Niguel rents are up 7.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,372/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.8%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
+$1,410
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Laguna Niguel · $3,372
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
53/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Laguna Niguel's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$3,372/mo
Expected by trend
$3,427/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Laguna Niguel's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,720
1 BR
$2,840
2 BR
$3,360
3 BR
$4,550
4 BR+
$5,430
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$3,360/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,372 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$40,464/yr
At $3,372/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.8% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Laguna Niguel, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 59.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
64,139
Median income
$140,452
Median age
47.6
Renters
32.6%
Age distribution
17.9%
16.8%
26.3%
16.6%
22.4%
Under 1817.9%
18–3416.8%
35–5426.3%
55–6416.6%
65+22.4%
Gender
48.5%
51.5%
Male48.5%
Female51.5%
Race & ethnicity
67.4%
14.7%
White67.4%
Black1.1%
Hispanic14.7%
Asian11.3%
Other5.6%
Education (25+)
13.6%
23.2%
59.8%
No HS diploma3.3%
HS diploma13.6%
Some college23.2%
Bachelor's+59.8%
Housing tenure
67.4%
32.6%
Owner67.4%
Renter32.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Laguna Niguel, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,422 → $3,372
up 39.2%
Income
$125,495 → $140,452
up 11.9%
Population
64,608 → 64,139
down 0.7%
Renter share
33% → 32.6%
-0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
55.9% → 59.8%
+3.9 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Laguna Niguel, CA has climbed from $2,422 to $3,372, a 39.2% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $125,495 in 2021 to $140,452 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 59.8% of adults here, versus 55.9% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Laguna Niguel, CA market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Laguna Niguel

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View Laguna Niguel rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Laguna Niguel on your salary?

At $3,372/mo, how Laguna Niguel rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Laguna Niguel rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Laguna Niguel. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Laguna Niguel

About renting in Laguna Niguel, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Laguna Niguel is $3,372/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,720/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,360/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,840/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,550/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($140,452/yr), Laguna Niguel ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Laguna Niguel an affordable city for renters?

Laguna Niguel is considered affordable for renters. At $3,372/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($140,452/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Laguna Niguel falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Laguna Niguel?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $135,000/year (~$65/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,372/mo in Laguna Niguel. The local median household income is $140,452/yr, meaning the typical Laguna Niguel household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Laguna Niguel?

Rent in Laguna Niguel has increased 7.8% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Laguna Niguel rent compare to other cities in California?

Laguna Niguel is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #91 out of 381 tracked cities at $3,372/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Laguna Niguel?

Laguna Hills is nearby and more affordable at $3,018/mo, which is $354 less than Laguna Niguel.

What percentage of Laguna Niguel residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.6% of Laguna Niguel households are renters, while 67.4% are owner-occupied. Laguna Niguel leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Laguna Niguel rent compare to the national average?

Laguna Niguel's median rent of $3,372/mo is $1,410 (72%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #91 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $3,372/mo, rent takes ~29% of Laguna Niguel's median household income ($140,452/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Laguna Niguel 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Laguna Niguel affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Laguna Niguel, CA

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