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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Irvine is 12% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,893/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 17%
$129,647/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 15%
$1,115,400 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↓ 5%
$2,904/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 15%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $19,574/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,574/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Costa Mesa details →

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