Costa Mesa, CA Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Costa Mesa, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

111,490
Population
$104,981
Median household income
+45% vs tracked median
$959,800
Median home value
+193% vs tracked median
$2,268/mo
Median rent
+62% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Costa Mesa, California is home to roughly 111,490 residents. The typical household earns $104,981 per year — above the median across cities we track (+45%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $959,800 (above the multi-city median at +193%), while renters pay a median of $2,268 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Costa Mesa

Median home value is $959,800 and median gross rent is $2,268/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Costa Mesa.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Costa Mesa

Planning a move to Costa Mesa? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA?
In Costa Mesa, the median home value is $959,800 and median rent is $2,268 per month, against a median household income of $104,981. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Costa Mesa?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $2,268/month, that implies an income of about $90,720 to keep housing affordable in Costa Mesa.
Is it better to rent or buy in Costa Mesa?
With a median home value of $959,800 and median rent of $2,268/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Costa Mesa depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Costa Mesa to similar cities