California · Population 110,538 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Costa Mesa
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Costa Mesa has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 228 (where 100 equals the national median), Costa Mesa residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,395/month while earning a median household income of $110,073/year.
The median home value in Costa Mesa, CA is $1,054,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,462 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.1%, Costa Mesa falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Costa Mesa.
Common questions about living costs in Costa Mesa
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