Irvine, CA vs La Mesa, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
La Mesa has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | La Mesa | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 159 | La Mesa |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 212 ($1,371) | La Mesa |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Irvine |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 113 ($463) | La Mesa |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 156 ($382) | La Mesa |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 156 ($276) | La 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 Irvine, CA or La Mesa, CA cheaper to live in?
La Mesa, CA is cheaper overall by about 66 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, La Mesa, CA: 159; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs La Mesa, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $55,650/year in La Mesa, CA to cover basic living costs.