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

Murrieta

California
175
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Murrieta is 23% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,330/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 3%
$109,780/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$110,073/yr ≈ Same
$606,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 74%
$2,380/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 3%
111,621
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

25.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murrieta, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $293/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murrieta is $606,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murrieta vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Murrieta or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murrieta and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Murrieta is $2,330/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Murrieta or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $109,780 in Murrieta and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $293/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 Murrieta or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $2,330/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 Murrieta details → View Costa Mesa details →

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