2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Napa, CA vs Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Rancho Santa Margarita or is it cheaper to live in Napa?
- Rancho Santa Margarita is 2.2% more expensive than Napa.

Which city has more affordable housing, Rancho Santa Margarita or Napa?
- Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs are 6.4% less expensive than Napa housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Napa or is Health Care more affordable in Rancho Santa Margarita.
- Health related expenses are 14.7% less in Rancho Santa Margarita.
 Napa, CARancho Santa Margarita, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.9100
 Food & Groceries110.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.4100
 Housing283.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$863,100$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock117.4100
 Miscellaneous157.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Napa    19 Reviews

I have lived in Napa for 20 years. In that time, Napa has changed dramatically. Today, Napa is very much a Hispanic community. Many Latinos don't or won't speak English  More

   |    Reply

My longtime Napa home burned to smithereens in 2017. That same night, a crazy stalker set her sights on me. Two nights after the fire, she showed up at my rescue house  More

   |    Reply

Napa is a very easy place to live, especially for those contemplating retirement. The pace of life is peaceful. The weather is superb -- never miserably cold or hot but  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Napa

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


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.