Cost of Living in Dana Point, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,162 (excluding rent), and $2,788 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,132 (excluding rent), and $7,145 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.19 $25.19

$15.11 $15.11

$50.4 $50.4

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.7 $99.7

$69.8 $69.8

$150 $150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.86 $11.86

$14.82 $14.82

Cappuccino

$5.81 $5.81

$4.02 $4.02

$8.05 $8.05

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.9 $2.9

$1.99 $1.99

$4.48 $4.48

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.98 $1.98

$3.96 $3.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.08 $8.08

$5.05 $5.05

$12.12 $12.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.19 $10.19

$7.14 $7.14

$12.23 $12.23

Milk (1 liter)

$1.24 $1.24

$0.81 $0.81

$1.9 $1.9

White Bread (500g)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.18 $2.18

$8.73 $8.73

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.93 $5.93

$2.22 $2.22

$10.1 $10.1

Eggs

$3.99 $3.99

$3.49 $3.49

$10.95 $10.95

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.66 $12.66

$8.81 $8.81

$33.02 $33.02

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.12 $13.12

$8.72 $8.72

$24.04 $24.04

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.69 $15.69

$8.95 $8.95

$37.61 $37.61

Apples (1kg)

$5.41 $5.41

$2.78 $2.78

$8.9 $8.9

Banana (1kg)

$2.61 $2.61

$1.27 $1.27

$6.47 $6.47

Oranges (1kg)

$3.52 $3.52

$1.64 $1.64

$8.74 $8.74

Tomato (1kg)

$4.69 $4.69

$2.15 $2.15

$8.64 $8.64

Potato (1kg)

$2.95 $2.95

$1.11 $1.11

$4.43 $4.43

Onion (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.11 $1.11

$4.45 $4.45

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.9 $1.9

$1.01 $1.01

$3.02 $3.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.24 $2.24

$1.34 $1.34

$5.14 $5.14

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.57 $11.57

$9.85 $9.85

$14.77 $14.77

Wine (Bottle)

$13.42 $13.42

$7.95 $7.95

$24.84 $24.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.59 $2.59

$1.75 $1.75

$4.05 $4.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.15 $3.15

$1.72 $1.72

$8.82 $8.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.17 $3.17

$7.16 $7.16

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2 $2

$3.64 $3.64

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.6 $29.6

$60.9 $60.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.16 $1.16

$1.48 $1.48

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.9K $31.9K

$25.1K $25.1K

$36.2K $36.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.1K $27.1K

$25.9K $25.9K

$30.5K $30.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$182 $182

$99.5 $99.5

$348 $348

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$67 $67

$30.09 $30.09

$181 $181

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.3 $71.3

$54.8 $54.8

$117 $117

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.34 $42.34

$17.23 $17.23

$49.23 $49.23

Cinema Ticket

$17.71 $17.71

$13.76 $13.76

$24.6 $24.6

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,788 $1,788

$1,400 $1,400

$2,401 $2,401

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.6K $23.6K

$19.8K $19.8K

$39.7K $39.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$60.9 $60.9

$19.64 $19.64

$118 $118

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.44 $47.44

$25.37 $25.37

$60.9 $60.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 $100

$68.8 $68.8

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$148 $148

$83.8 $83.8

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,043 $3,043

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,351 $1,351

$998 $998

$1,498 $1,498

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,885 $4,885

$3,836 $3,836

$5,902 $5,902

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,985 $3,985

$3,935 $3,935

$4,036 $4,036

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$9,708 $9,708

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$7,551 $7,551

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

6.19

7.25

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Dana Point, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Dana Point sits in a coveted coastal spot, so you’ll find value tied to scenery, climate, and convenience rather than rock-bottom prices. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you trade ultra-cheap costs for reliable amenities and a pleasant daily rhythm. The Cost of Living in Dana Point, CA, United States tracks with coastal California norms: housing and dining can be higher than inland cities, while access to beaches, safety, and a strong service scene adds practical value. Short-term stays near the harbor or Lantern Village suit flexibility; inland pockets offer quieter options. Tip: Compare different neighborhoods by a day-to-day routine, not just rent listings.

Daily life in Dana Point blends easy coastlines with practical routines. Housing search tends to favor options near the harbor and in hillside neighborhoods with views, where short-term leases can help you test the vibe before committing. Food choices span casual cafes, seafood spots, and farmers’ markets – balanced by a premium on freshness and quality. Transport leans on a car, with rideshare options and limited public transit; many arrive by bike for shorter trips. Co-working and remote-work-friendly nooks exist, especially near village centers. Dana Point, CA, United States living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so plan for seasonal shifts in demand and amenities. Tip: Stack errands to reduce trips.

Quality of life hinges on balancing pace, access to nature, and costs you can manage with a simple budgeting framework. Use a monthly layout: fixed housing, utilities, groceries, dining out, and discretionary. Favor neighborhoods with easy beach access and quieter streets for better sleep and biking. Schedule travel during shoulder seasons to stretch your time and money; consider a longer stint around spring or fall when crowds soften. Build a neighborhood fit by visiting at different times of day and testing local cafes, parks, and commute routes. Tip: Set a flexible cap for recurring expenses and track small savings from meal prepping or multi-use transit passes.