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

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Temecula

California
179

Costa Mesa is 27% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,395/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↓ 4%
$110,073/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 7%
$1,054,700 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 39%
$2,462/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↓ 1%
110,538
Population
110,404

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Temecula, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $7,767/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Temecula — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Temecula?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Temecula?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $7,767/year higher in Temecula.
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 Costa Mesa or Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Costa Mesa details → View Temecula details →

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