Costa Mesa, CA vs Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Ana has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 211 | 149 | Santa Ana |
| Housing | 303 ($1,677) | 189 ($1,383) | Santa Ana |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 147 ($603) | 118 ($484) | Santa Ana |
| Utilities | 202 ($545) | 145 ($340) | Santa Ana |
| Healthcare | 202 ($394) | 145 ($246) | Santa Ana |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Ana, CA is cheaper overall by about 62 index points (Costa Mesa, CA: 211, Santa Ana, CA: 149; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Costa Mesa, CA vs Santa Ana, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $73,850/year in Costa Mesa, CA and $52,150/year in Santa Ana, CA to cover basic living costs.