Cost of Living: East Los Angeles, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

East Los Angeles

California
134
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

East Los Angeles is 41% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,431/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 67%
$68,378/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 61%
$613,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 72%
$1,458/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 69%
114,617
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing East Los Angeles, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $964/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $11,568/year.

Median household income is $41,695/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in East Los Angeles is $613,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

East Los Angeles vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is East Los Angeles or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between East Los Angeles and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in East Los Angeles is $1,431/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $964/month.
Which city has higher income, East Los Angeles or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $68,378 in East Los Angeles and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $41,695/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 East Los Angeles or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,431/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 East Los Angeles details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for East Los Angeles and Costa Mesa

East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria