South Coast, CA and Laguna Niguel, CA are two attractive locations in Southern California with their own unique characteristics. South Coast, part of the larger Los Angeles area, offers a city vibe with developed infrastructure, multiple industries, and more diverse neighborhoods, whereas Laguna Niguel, located in Orange County, provides a more suburban atmosphere with lower crime rates, renowned educational institutions, and excellent lifestyle quality. Both cities boast excellent weather and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This comprehensive comparison will shed light on essential aspects including crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more to help you determine which place suits you best for either relocation or visiting.
South Coast, being a part of a larger metropolitan area, experiences slightly higher crime rates compared to Laguna Niguel. However, it’s important to note that South Coast remains relatively safe compared to the broader Los Angeles area. On the other hand, Laguna Niguel is recognized for its low crime rates, making it one of the safest cities in Orange County. Both locations prioritize safety, with responsive and community-connected law enforcement agencies.
Cost of Living
Living in Laguna Niguel generally tends to be more expensive than South Coast. This higher cost is typically driven by housing prices, which are significantly steeper in Laguna Niguel. The cost of goods, services, and healthcare also tend to be higher in Laguna Niguel than in South Coast. However, both cities offer a range of housing options to suit different budgets, lessening the impact of this difference slightly.
Income Tax
As with sales tax, both cities are subjected to the California state income tax which ranges from 1% to 13.3% depending on income level. There are no additional local income taxes for either city.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both cities are similar, aligning with the California state average of 0.77%. However, due to higher real estate prices, property tax payments in Laguna Niguel may end up being higher.
Sales Tax
Both South Coast and Laguna Niguel fall under California state jurisdiction, hence applying the 7.25% state sales tax. However, local additions make South Coast's sales tax slightly higher.
Income
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Estimated median household income
$112,870
$125,587
Estimated per capita income
$68,453
$69,266
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.8
89
If you make $50,000 in Laguna Niguel, you will have to make $54,382 in South Coast to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
South Coast lies in the Los Angeles Basin and features varied landscapes, from coastline to urban sprawl. Laguna Niguel is coastal, more suburban, and features beautiful hills, parks, and proximity to beaches, providing plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Land area
101 sq. miles
14.7 sq. miles
Population density
2,953.2 people per sq. mile
4,381.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
South Coast, CA Laguna Niguel, CA
Education
When it comes to education, both cities are well-regarded. South Coast is home to several notable schools and universities, making it a hub for students and academics. Laguna Niguel is part of the Capistrano Unified School District, known for its high-performing schools. Additionally, there are several outstanding private schools in Laguna Niguel, enhancing the city's education profile.
South Coast has a diverse economy with industries ranging from entertainment and tourism to technology and healthcare. In contrast, Laguna Niguel's economy is mainly driven by professional services, healthcare, retail, and education. The unemployment rate is relatively low in both cities, with plenty of job opportunities available across various sectors.
Biggest Employers
In South Coast, big names like Sony Pictures, Lionsgate Films, and The Aerospace Corporation lead the employment sector. Meanwhile, Laguna Niguel’s major employers include Costco, Walmart, and Capistrano Unified School District.
Weather
Both South Coast and Laguna Niguel enjoy a typically Southern Californian Mediterranean climate. Consistently pleasant conditions featuring warm summers and mild winters are a significant attraction of both locales. Laguna Niguel, however, due to its proximity to the ocean, experiences slightly cooler temperatures and more marine layer fog compared to South Coast.
Weather and climate
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Temperature - Average
62.1°F
62.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.1%
69%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
24.6%
24.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
76.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52.4%
52.4%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.4 in
13.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.7%
26.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
77.6%
77.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20.5%
20.7%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
81.9%
82.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
61.4%
61.5%
Wind speed - Average
5.5 mph
5.4 mph
Average climate in South Coast, California
Average climate in Laguna Niguel, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
2018
105
121
0.18
0.21
8.6
11.0
34.0
33.5
22.7
24.3
7.0
9.5
N/A
N/A
2017
111
122
0.21
0.24
8.4
10.7
34.7
34.2
23.0
24.7
11.3
12.3
N/A
N/A
2016
105
112
0.14
0.16
9.6
10.8
33.8
33.4
21.9
22.9
9.8
11.2
0.1
0.1
2015
111
123
0.10
0.12
10.5
11.4
32.9
32.5
19.4
22.1
10.5
12.6
0.1
0.1
2014
100
107
0.11
0.13
9.8
11.0
31.3
31.1
25.4
26.0
11.8
14.0
0.3
0.3
2013
97
110
0.17
0.19
10.6
11.7
30.0
29.8
24.5
26.2
10.3
12.0
0.2
0.2
2012
101
114
0.26
0.27
10.1
11.1
29.9
29.6
21.5
24.2
10.5
12.5
0.1
0.1
2011
113
129
0.15
0.16
10.2
11.9
30.3
30.1
24.0
25.7
10.9
13.3
0.3
0.3
2010
101
113
0.21
0.23
10.9
12.1
30.6
30.4
23.3
23.5
11.4
13.1
0.6
0.6
2009
120
134
0.15
0.16
13.0
14.1
31.5
31.1
27.3
25.9
12.4
13.9
1.1
1.1
2008
131
142
0.26
0.26
13.2
14.8
32.0
31.6
38.8
35.2
9.4
12.8
1.1
1.1
2007
110
114
0.24
0.24
13.7
15.0
30.6
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
112
113
0.30
0.31
14.8
15.8
30.6
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
109
112
0.28
0.29
13.7
15.4
29.9
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
130
132
0.29
0.31
15.5
16.5
32.5
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
132
132
0.38
0.39
18.2
19.6
31.3
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2002
129
130
0.40
0.42
17.7
19.2
28.4
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2001
137
140
0.52
0.52
18.5
19.1
27.8
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.4
2000
140
140
0.52
0.51
21.2
21.3
24.5
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
17.1%
17.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,728.5%
6,744.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
South Coast benefits from being part of Greater Los Angeles, with robust public transportation including LA Metro and several bus lines. Laguna Niguel, though less extensive, has reliable transit options including OCTA buses and Metrolink services. Both cities offer excellent road networks for those commuting by car.
Transport
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
35
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Bicycle
0.3%
0.3%
Bus
1%
0.8%
Carpooled
10.5%
11.3%
Car alone
79.2%
83%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.7%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Average
27.9 min
26.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate in both South Coast and Laguna Niguel is appealing, each with its unique attributes. The South Coast boasts everything from modern city apartments to more suburb-style housing, while Laguna Niguel offers a range of single-family homes, condos, and gated communities. However, properties in Laguna Niguel tend to be more expensive.
Neighborhoods
South Coast's neighborhoods are diverse and vibrant, each with its unique charm and appeal. There are bustling city areas and quieter residential zones. Laguna Niguel, being more suburban, offers a more relaxed lifestyle, with neighborhoods that pride themselves on safety, cleanliness, and community engagement.
Houses and residents
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
Houses
124,031
27,654
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Houses occupied
117,093 (94.4%)
25,751 (93.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
81,601 (69.7%)
17,315 (67%)
Houses occupied by renters
35,492 (30.3%)
8,515 (33%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,718
$2,615
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$926,827
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.4
Renting percentage
33.8%
28%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,227.5
1,886
Household income disparities
38.1%
37.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
10,715 (16.4%)
154 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
248 (0.4%)
1,364 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
54,674 (83.6%)
12,031 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
5,859 (9%)
43 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,560 (11.6%)
1,631 (13.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,244
3,503
State government workers
4,403
941
Unpaid family workers
640
190
Industries and Occupations
In South Coast, the leading industries are entertainment, tourism, technology, and healthcare with a wide range of occupations. In Laguna Niguel, the job market revolves around professional services, education, healthcare, and retail. Both cities have many self-employed individuals and small businesses, demonstrating a robust entrepreneurial spirit.
Health Care
Both cities boast excellent healthcare facilities and services. South Coast has a large number of hospitals and clinics, fitting its urban setting. Laguna Niguel, while smaller, offers high-quality medical services, with many facilities located near residential areas.
Infrastructure
South Coast benefits from being a part of a larger urban area and has well-developed infrastructure. This includes an extensive road network, public parks, and recreation areas, as well as numerous shopping and entertainment venues. Laguna Niguel, although smaller, is well-planned with a wealth of communal areas. Both cities offer reliable utilities and services, including internet and waste management.
Infrastructure
Type
South Coast
Laguna Niguel
TV stations
1
1
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
2
Culture and Food
When it comes to culture and food, both cities are rich and diverse. South Coast, with its bigger population and more urban environment, has an extensive variety of cuisines from around the world. Laguna Niguel also offers a great culinary scene, focusing on fresh, local ingredients with a seaside influence. Both cities have a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and venues.
Sports Teams
Neither South Coast nor Laguna Niguel is home to major professional sports teams, but Los Angeles teams like the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, and Kings have a large following in South Coast. Laguna Niguel residents typically support teams from nearby Anaheim like the Ducks and Angels.
South Coast, CA
Laguna Niguel, CA
