Are you considering a move to Costa Mesa, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Costa Mesa, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Costa Mesa, California and help you understand whether $4328 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $6107.2.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
17.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
67.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.9 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.67 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
3.0 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.15 $ |
|
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.3 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
4.39 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
5.0 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
-- |
|
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
-- |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
17.64 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
4.41 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.19 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
4.41 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
4.26 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
4.41 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
2.18 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.75 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.5 $ |
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|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.11 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.3 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
-- |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
-- |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.3 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27250.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
250.31 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
65.0 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
14.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
925.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
20000.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
50.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
32.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
75.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
117.5 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2665.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
2400.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
3829.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
4000.0 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
6458.35 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
6107.2 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Costa Mesa, California come to a total of approximately $4328. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2665 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $282 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $763 per month.
Living in Costa Mesa, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $6107.2. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Costa Mesa, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $6107.2.
In Costa Mesa, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $6107.2, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Costa Mesa, California is approximately $2665. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2400.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Costa Mesa, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $599 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a low overall risk, but with some key areas of safety, we need to discuss. As far as Orange County goes, this isn't one of the most affluent cities, but for someone not familiar with the area, it's going to feel bougie.
The Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) provides bus service around the county, and there's a shuttle in Costa Mesa to get around the shopping and historical areas. OCTA comes with a fee, but the HeART of the Costa Mesa shuttle is free. Taxis and rideshares are also available. All options are low risk, but whatever you choose, you'll be dealing with a certain amount of traffic.
There were 12 pickpockets or purse snatchings reported in Costa Mesa in 2020. That's a low risk, but certain items are really going to grab a thief's attention. I was flabbergasted when looking at the theft data and one category stood out with an $18,000,000 taken by thieves. Can you guess what it is (HINT: It's not cars)? The answer coming up.
Costa Mesa faces earthquake, wildfire, and flooding risks. While an average day is going to be picture-perfect sunny weather, there are risks you need to educate yourself on before visiting, so we'll call it a medium risk.
The robbery rate is slightly above the national average, but there were just 22 highway robberies that could impact a tourist in 2020. There's a low risk, but some clear examples have happened on what not to do when a robber does attack. A woman who was robbed ended up being run over by the suspect's car during an incident in 2020. She held onto the bag and was dragged, getting seriously hurt.
There's a medium risk of terrorism due to its location in the massive L.A. Metro area. It's also close to Disneyland and other big theme park attractions.
The biggest concern here is rental scams. You aren't going to find a rock-bottom price on a rental home in this desirable community, so that's the first red flag. The second flag comes when someone asks you to wire money to secure that home. These scammers have no access to the home they are listing and are just looking to get away with your money. Use a local home rental service that has a business license from the city for a safe rental experience.
There's a low risk here, but keep in mind those higher crime rates in theft and robbery. You might do a lot of shopping here and that could make you a target. See if the mall offers lockers to store your bags while you shop, instead of taking a risky trip to the car to store bags in the trunk.
Costa Mesa has safe tap water and the Mesa Water District states, "There is no need to overbuy bottled water, which is more expensive than tap water, and boiling your water is not necessary” says Mesa Water Board President, Shawn Dewane. “The district continues to operate 24/7 and, as the only water agency in Orange County that serves 100% local reliable groundwater, Mesa Water assures that our community has plentiful, affordable, and pure water supplies for generations to come.”
Get travel insurance in case weather, wildfires, or power outages impact flight patterns.
As long as you got through the airport or port of entry with your Visa, you won't need any additional proof of identification to get into Costa Mesa. Keep your ID on you if you plan on drinking as the drinking age is 21.
The currency used here is the U.S. Dollar. Given the robbery and theft rates, it's best if you just use one credit card for payments and avoid carrying any cash around.
It's hard to tell what season it is because the weather is almost the same year-round. You'll have highs in the upper-60s or low 70s and lows in the upper-40s or 50s. Pack some beach gear because you're very close to two popular beach areas, and bring plenty of sunscreens.
The John Wayne Airport is right next door to Costa Mesa, only about 5 miles at most. The takeoff there has been named one of the scariest in the nation due to the way planes have to accommodate the noise ordinance. Flights have a short runway and need to get up in the air quickly to avoid getting a noise citation. It can feel like you're on a rocket ship the first time you take off from John Wayne. The Long Beach Airport is 21 miles northwest and Los Angeles International Airport is 40 miles northwest.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 66°F | 66°F | 67°F | 69°F | 70°F | 73°F | 77°F | 78°F | 78°F | 75°F | 70°F | 66°F |
| Temp | 57°F | 58°F | 59°F | 61°F | 64°F | 66°F | 70°F | 71°F | 70°F | 67°F | 61°F | 56°F |
| Low | 48°F | 50°F | 52°F | 55°F | 59°F | 62°F | 65°F | 66°F | 64°F | 60°F | 53°F | 48°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 18°C | 18°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 23°C | 21°C | 18°C |
| Temp | 13°C | 14°C | 15°C | 16°C | 17°C | 18°C | 21°C | 21°C | 21°C | 19°C | 16°C | 13°C |
| Low | 8°C | 10°C | 11°C | 12°C | 15°C | 16°C | 18°C | 18°C | 17°C | 15°C | 11°C | 8°C |