moving to Mission viejo (August: apartment, to rent, how much)

[mkisthebomb]

I'm moving to Mission Viejo at the end of summer of 08. I have an 11 year old boy and plan to rent a 2 bedroom apt near saddleback college. My friends say the cost of living out there is outragous! how bad is it...meaning, groceries, utilities, gas, I know apt will cost me $1500....can I make it on $3000 to $3500/ month if I'm really careful. I don't splurge anyway....

Can someone give me a basic breakdown real quick?

Thanks so much!

[kturbe]

This must be the question of the day. Check out this link and it will breakdown cost of living for you. But of course keep in mind this is all dependent on your lifestyle. There are several areas in MV some more expensive then others, so if you need any direction please do not hesitate to send a note direct.

You'll love it here!

[mkisthebomb]

Originally Posted by kturbe

This must be the question of the day. Check out this link and it will breakdown cost of living for you. But of course keep in mind this is all dependent on your lifestyle. There are several areas in MV some more expensive then others, so if you need any direction please do not hesitate to send a note direct.

You'll love it here!

Thank you so much, but I didn't get a link. I am so worried I won't be able to afford it but I'm dying to start a life in California. I love the West coast and have been dreaming to move there. Don't need to live extravagantly just want to enjoy the peace of mind and weather and scenery.
thanks

[mkisthebomb]

Originally Posted by kturbe

This must be the question of the day. Check out this link and it will breakdown cost of living for you. But of course keep in mind this is all dependent on your lifestyle. There are several areas in MV some more expensive then others, so if you need any direction please do not hesitate to send a note direct.

You'll love it here!

Thanks, but Ididn't get the quote. I'm pretty worried that I won't afford it.

Thank you for your help!!

Monalisa

[EscapeCalifornia]

Is that $3000-3500/mo gross or net? Spending nearly half of your gross income on rent AND supporting an 11 year old is going to be very, very tough.

Food is cheap if you cook it yourself. Electricty might run you $40/mo if you don't use the AC. You'll probably be running the AC some in August and September but if your apartment is insulated and you don't get to crazy, the AC shouldn't cost that much more for those two months. Gas for an apartment might run you $10-25/mo depending on the season. Water/sewer/trash (if its not included) might run another $25/mo. Gas for the car depends on what you drive and how much. Use gasbuddy.com to check prices in MV and do the math to estimate your usage and cost.