Cost of Living in Costa Mesa, CA
Population 110,538 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Costa Mesa sits 246% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $110,073 (48% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Costa Mesa
The median home value in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 — 246% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,395/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $110,073/year is 48% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 72.6°F and lows of 57.2°F. Overall, Costa Mesa has a cost of living index of 280 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 180% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 71 | 74 | 79 | 80 | 80 | 77 | 72 | 67 |
| Low °F | 49 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 67 | 65 | 59 | 53 | 48 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.64 | 1.62 | 0.52 | 0.27 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.10 | 0.54 | 0.80 | 2.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa has a cost index of 280 (100 = national average). It is 180% above the national average.
What is average rent in Costa Mesa, CA?
The median gross rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Costa Mesa?
The median home value in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Costa Mesa?
The median household income in Costa Mesa is $110,073 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Costa Mesa, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Costa Mesa is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Costa Mesa, CA affordable?
Costa Mesa is above average in cost of living, with an index of 280 — about 180% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa has average high temperatures of 72.6°F and average lows of 57.2°F. Annual precipitation is 11.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Costa Mesa at a Glance
- Population
- 110,538
- Median Income
- $110,073
- Home Value
- $1,054,700
- Median Rent
- $2,395/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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