2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Rancho Santa Margarita older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Rancho Santa Margarita is 0.4 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rancho Santa Margarita or Lake Forest?
- Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs are 7.9% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rancho Santa Margarita or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Rancho Santa Margarita is 4.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Lake Forest.

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, California markets itself as the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with numerous parks, shopping centers, and miles of trails giving visitors plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

Things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA resides within Orange County’s metropolitan limits providing direct access attractions events that take place surrounding area due its prime location as well population size close 48 thousand people makes perfect spot anyone looking exciting city life without having live too far from Los Angeles other Southern California cities!

 Lake Forest, CARancho Santa Margarita, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock48,190329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lake Forest    16 Reviews

I've lived in Lake Forest for over a decade, before that elsewhere in OC and also up in LA. Lake Forest isn't perfect but it's really improved over the past decade,  More

   |    Reply

As a retired senior who has lived in Lake Forest (formerly El Toro) since 1977 I think LF is a great place if you can afford it. When we moved here in June '77 homes  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here for 2 years. Ok, it’s more like a 4 but there are so many idiots downplaying what it’s like here and giving Lake Forest ones and twos. There are a lot of  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Forest

Reviews for Rancho Santa Margarita    13 Reviews

This page provides little information on RSM. I see they keep describing the area as "outside of Los Angeles." Culturally, it is so far from Los Angeles (I lived in LA,  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

The weather here is amazing. We get a few hot days in the summer but it cools down in the evening. I love being able to sleep with the windows  More

   |    Reply

This is the best place to live in South Orange County with mild temperatures, low crime, great schools and family orientated. RSM is a city that sits in a pocket backing  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rancho Santa Margarita


Learn More About Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Overview
Cost of Living
Job Market
Crime
Climate
Economy
Religion
Voting
Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.