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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa have a similar cost of living.

$2,424/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 1%
$119,885/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 8%
$1,047,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,054,700 ≈ Same
$2,436/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 1%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,812/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntington Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 227 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $9,812/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa

Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver 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