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

Costa Mesa

California
228
VS

Ventura

California
183

Costa Mesa is 25% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,395/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 12%
$110,073/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 9%
$1,054,700 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 26%
$2,462/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 14%
110,538
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Costa Mesa, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 228 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $9,666/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Costa Mesa is $1,054,700 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Mesa vs Ventura — common questions

Is Costa Mesa or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Costa Mesa and Ventura?
Median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Costa Mesa or Ventura?
Median household income is $110,073 in Costa Mesa and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $9,666/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 Costa Mesa or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with median rent of $2,395/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Costa Mesa details → View Ventura details →

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