Costa Mesa, CA vs Irvine, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Costa Mesa has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Costa Mesa | Irvine | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 211 | 225 | Costa Mesa |
| Housing | 303 ($1,677) | 320 ($2,025) | Costa Mesa |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Costa Mesa |
| Food & groceries | 147 ($603) | 174 ($713) | Costa Mesa |
| Utilities | 202 ($545) | 210 ($576) | Costa Mesa |
| Healthcare | 202 ($394) | 210 ($416) | Costa Mesa |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Mesa, CA or Irvine, CA cheaper to live in?
Costa Mesa, CA is cheaper overall by about 14 index points (Costa Mesa, CA: 211, Irvine, CA: 225; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Costa Mesa, CA vs Irvine, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $73,850/year in Costa Mesa, CA and $78,750/year in Irvine, CA to cover basic living costs.