Santa Ana, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA: 163 vs 228

$1,975/mo ↓ 18%

Median Rent

$2,395/mo ↑ 21%

$88,354/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$110,073/yr ↑ 25%

$657,800 ↓ 38%

Home Value

$1,054,700 ↑ 60%

$1,965/mo ↓ 20%

Owner Costs

$2,462/mo ↑ 25%

311,639

Population

110,538

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $21,719/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 228 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Costa Mesa?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $420/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Costa Mesa?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $21,719/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 Santa Ana or Costa Mesa?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Costa Mesa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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