Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Berkeley is 10% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,127/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 13%
$108,558/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 1%
$1,351,100 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 22%
$2,340/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 5%
120,223
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Berkeley or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Costa Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 228 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Costa Mesa details →

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