2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA vs Gulf Shores, AL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Gulf Shores or is it cheaper to live in Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Gulf Shores is 42.7% less expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita.

Which city has more affordable housing, Gulf Shores or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Gulf Shores housing costs are 56.2% less expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Rancho Santa Margarita or is Health Care more affordable in Gulf Shores.
- Health related expenses are 23.7% more in Gulf Shores.
 Rancho Santa Margarita, CAGulf Shores, ALUnited States
 Overall  Unlock94.5100
 Food & Groceries103.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.5100
 Housing265.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$439,200$338,100
 Utilities111  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.9100
 Miscellaneous155.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Gulf Shores    6 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Owned a place there for 20 years and spend a few weeks each season there. Heading back in a few weeks! Lows: Spotty internet for work. Saturday traffic. Hurricanes.  More

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I know that there are a few people out there that would just as soon throw rotten tomatoes at me for saying what I’m about to say, but I hate, hate, HATE living in Gulf  More

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Over 14 years ago

Gulf Shores offers many sunny days, compared to the rest of Baldwin County.  More

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