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

Escondido

California
163
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Escondido is 29% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,922/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 25%
$84,477/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 30%
$663,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 59%
$2,022/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 22%
149,913
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

27.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Escondido, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Escondido, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Escondido is $663,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Escondido vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Escondido or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Escondido is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Escondido and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Escondido is $1,922/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Escondido or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $84,477 in Escondido and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $25,596/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 Escondido or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Escondido has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,922/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 Escondido details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Escondido and Costa Mesa

Escondido vs. Bellevue Escondido vs. Jackson Escondido vs. Charleston Escondido vs. Joliet Escondido vs. Roseville Escondido vs. Surprise 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