7 Cheapest Cities in Orange County to Live Comfortably

Orange County, California, is often associated with luxury, beachside living, and steep housing prices. But if you’re on a budget or looking to stretch your dollar without leaving the OC lifestyle behind, you’re in luck.

There are affordable pockets in this iconic region — you just have to know where to look.

7 Cheapest Cities in Orange County to Live Comfortably

In this guide, we’ll break down the cheapest cities in Orange County, based on median rent, home prices, and overall cost of living.

What Defines “Cheap” in Orange County?

Let’s be clear — “cheap” in Orange County is relative. You won’t find rock-bottom prices like in the Midwest, but compared to hotspots like Newport Beach or Laguna Niguel, these cities offer serious savings.

We looked at:

• Median home prices
• Average rent for 1-2 bedroom apartments
• Utility and transportation costs
• Local amenities and livability

7 Cheapest Cities in Orange County

1. Santa Ana

• Median Home Price: ~$650,000
• Average Rent: $1,900 – $2,300
• Why it’s affordable:
  Santa Ana remains one of the most budget-friendly cities in Orange County, with a dense urban core, excellent public transit, and plenty of cultural charm. It offers diverse neighborhoods and growing redevelopment projects — making it ideal for first-time buyers and renters.

2. Anaheim

• Median Home Price: ~$720,000
• Average Rent: $2,000 – $2,600
• Highlights:
  Home to Disneyland, Anaheim is more than a tourist hub. With many older homes and apartments, this city offers good housing inventory at lower prices. It’s also one of the best cities in Orange County for those who commute or want access to entertainment without paying top dollar.

3. Garden Grove

• Median Home Price: ~$700,000
• Average Rent: $2,000 – $2,500
• Why it’s affordable:
  Garden Grove provides a suburban lifestyle with a multicultural vibe, including great food options, local parks, and solid public schools — all at lower-than-average housing costs.

4. Buena Park

• Median Home Price: ~$680,000
• Average Rent: $1,800 – $2,200
• Notable Perks:
  Affordable and family-friendly, Buena Park offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s a great option for buyers and renters looking for value and convenience.

5. Stanton

• Median Home Price: ~$610,000
• Average Rent: $1,700 – $2,100
• Why it’s one of the cheapest cities in OC:
  Often overlooked, Stanton is one of the lowest-cost cities in Orange County, especially for renters. It offers easy freeway access, walkable neighborhoods, and newer apartment complexes popping up at competitive prices.

6. La Habra

• Median Home Price: ~$680,000
• Average Rent: $1,900 – $2,300
• What makes it stand out:
  Sitting on the northern edge of Orange County, La Habra offers a more suburban and slightly rural feel, with cheaper real estate and lower taxes. It’s also a good choice for families wanting to live near LA and OC job markets.

7. Fullerton

• Median Home Price: ~$730,000
• Average Rent: $2,000 – $2,500
• Why it’s a good deal:
  Home to CSU Fullerton, this college town has student-friendly prices, thriving arts, and excellent food. It’s a cost-effective option with urban-suburban balance.

Comparison Chart: Cheapest Cities in Orange County

City	Median Home Price	Average Rent (1-2 BR)	Vibe / Perks
Santa Ana	$650,000	$1,900 – $2,300	Urban, cultural, affordable
Anaheim	$720,000	$2,000 – $2,600	Central, attractions, diverse
Garden Grove	$700,000	$2,000 – $2,500	Family-friendly, suburban
Buena Park	$680,000	$1,800 – $2,200	Affordable, amusement parks
Stanton	$610,000	$1,700 – $2,100	Small town, low rent
La Habra	$680,000	$1,900 – $2,300	Suburban, north OC
Fullerton	$730,000	$2,000 – $2,500	College town, balanced living

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Tips for Finding Affordable Housing in Orange County

• Look for older buildings with updated interiors — you’ll save more.
• Use rent caps and filters on Zillow, Apartments.com, and HotPads.
• Consider roommates if renting solo is too costly.
• Watch for hidden HOA fees in condos and townhomes.
• Explore surrounding neighborhoods — sometimes the adjacent zip code is way cheaper.

Final Thoughts: Living Affordably in Orange County

So, what is the cheapest city in Orange County? While Stanton and Santa Ana lead in affordability, all 7 cities listed provide a smart blend of price and livability.

If you’re dreaming of Southern California life without the millionaire budget, these cities prove it’s still possible