Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Costa Mesa, CA
Considering a move to Costa Mesa, CA? With a population of 112,958, Costa Mesa blends coastal living with urban convenience, offering a sunny climate (73% sunny days) and a median home price around $1,012,000. The city features a strong rental market, a short average commute of 24 minutes, and quality schools, including Orange Coast College. While cost of living and housing are above national averages, Costa Mesa’s vibrant culture, low unemployment, and easy access to beaches make it a standout spot for Southern California living.
Demographics - Costa Mesa, CA
Demographics - Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa is home to nearly 113,000 residents, offering a diverse community where over 32% speak a language other than English and the median age is just over 36. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a rich ethnic mix, with a majority White population alongside significant Asian and Hispanic communities. This diversity contributes to a vibrant local culture and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
112,958
Density:
7,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.4%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
11.5%
Others:
33.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, driven largely by a median home value exceeding $1 million and robust housing costs. Residents can expect average monthly rents around $2,540 and moderate utility expenses, while state taxes and overall expenses reflect the premium Southern California lifestyle. While daily living costs are elevated, the area offers a high quality of life with convenient amenities.
Median House Value:
$1,012,000
Gross Rent:
$2,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$910
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.5
Grocery:
112.3
Housing:
243.7
Utilities:
107.4
Transportation:
132.2
Health Care:
110.9
Miscellaneous:
108.8
Crime
Is Costa Mesa, CA a safe place to live?
Costa Mesa experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 236 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 423 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 40 chance, but overall crime rates are consistent with many comparably sized urban areas in California. Residents enjoy a generally safe environment, especially in well-established neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
236
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,527
Crime Index:
2,763
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 423
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Costa Mesa, CA year-round?
Costa Mesa boasts mild, coastal weather year-round, with winter lows averaging 48°F and summer highs around 80°F. The area receives about 13.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny skies 73% of the year. This pleasant climate encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle and easy access to nearby beaches.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The typical Costa Mesa household earns around $96,000 annually, with a per capita income of $44,100 and about 13% of residents living below the poverty line. The area is well-educated, as nearly 90% have completed high school and about 39% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most people drive to work, averaging a 24-minute commute, reflecting the city’s suburban character.
Median Income:
$52,800
Household Income:
$96,391
Family Income:
$110,450
Per Capita Income:
$44,100
Income Male:
$52,500
Income Female:
$44,600
Poverty Rate:
12.9%
Non English Speakers:
32.2%
Rent:
$2,540
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
39.1%
Education
How are the schools in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa offers a variety of educational options, featuring well-rated public and private schools with student-teacher ratios in the low twenties. The city is also home to higher education institutions like Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, supporting over 24,000 college students. These resources make Costa Mesa an attractive choice for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Costa Mesa High School
Street:
2650 Fairview Rd
Phone:
714-424-8700
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Name:
Kaiser Elementary School
Street:
2130 Santa Ana Ave
Phone:
949-515-6950
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Street:
1021 Baker St
Phone:
714-557-5060
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Orange Coast College
City:
Costa Mesa
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Vanguard University of Southern California
City:
Costa Mesa
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Costa Mesa residents have convenient access to top-rated hospitals, including Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is strong. The local healthcare index indicates above-average service quality for city dwellers.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
Address:
1 Hoag Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone:
(949) 764-4624
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
Address:
9920 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone:
(714) 378-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price just above $1 million and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,650. The city has a balanced mix of renters and homeowners, and home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect strong demand and stability in the local market.
Median Home Price:
$1,012,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
38.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Costa Mesa’s DMV office, operated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, is conveniently located on West 19th Street. Residents can access a full range of vehicle registration and licensing services both in person and online. The office serves as a key resource for new arrivals and long-term residents managing their transportation needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
650 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.