California / County

Moving to Costa Mesa, CA

Thinking of making a move to Costa Mesa, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Costa Mesa, CA

Considering a move to Costa Mesa, CA? This welcoming community of 111,918 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,150,000 and average rents near $2,850. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (74% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Costa Mesa's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa has a population of 111,918 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 45% White, 2% Black, and 16% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
111,918
Density
7,600 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
45.0%
Black
1.8%
Asian
16.2%
Others
37.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Costa Mesa, CA?

The cost of living in Costa Mesa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 165.4. Median home values are around $1,150,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,150,000
Gross Rent
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,250
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
165.4
Grocery
109.8
Housing
248.6
Utilities
111.3
Transportation
131.4
Health Care
107.9
Miscellaneous
118.6

Crime

Is Costa Mesa, CA a safe place to live?

Costa Mesa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 270 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 44. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
270
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,250
Crime Index
2,520
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 44

Weather

What is the weather like in Costa Mesa, CA year-round?

Costa Mesa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 46°F. The area receives about 12 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 74% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
46°F
Max
67°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
73°F

Fall

Min
56°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
12.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
74%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $101,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.4%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$85,000
Household Income
$101,500
Family Income
$118,000
Per Capita Income
$44,800
Income Male
$58,500
Income Female
$50,400
Poverty Rate
11.4%
Non English Speakers
41.2%
Rent
$2,850
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
4.9%
Commute Time
25.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.6%
Bachelors or More
39.8%

Education

How are the schools in Costa Mesa, CA?

Costa Mesa offers quality education options, with public schools like Costa Mesa High School and Estancia High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Orange Coast College and Coastline College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Costa Mesa High School
Street
2650 Fairview Rd
Phone
714-424-8700
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
25.0
Name
Estancia High School
Street
2323 Placentia Ave
Phone
714-754-5250
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1

Private Schools

Name
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
Street
105 N Cabrillo St
Phone
714-545-7741
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Orange Coast College
City
Costa Mesa
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
18,000
Name
Coastline College
City
Costa Mesa
State
CA
Distance
1 mile
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Costa Mesa residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Orange Coast Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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 Medical Center
Address
18111 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone
(714) 378-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
80.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Costa Mesa, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,150,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Costa Mesa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate
43.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Costa Mesa handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Costa Mesa, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Costa Mesa, review the core fields on this page: population 111,918, median home value $1,150,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,850, commute time 25.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 74%.

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