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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fremont is 22% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,905/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 18%
$176,350/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 38%
$1,289,400 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 18%
$3,000/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 18%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $66,277/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fremont 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 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $66,277/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Costa Mesa

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah 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