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 112,958 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,012,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (73% 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 112,958 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 53% White, 2% Black, and 12% Asian residents, and over 32% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Costa Mesa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 178.5. Median home values are around $1,012,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,540. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and 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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 236 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 40. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 48°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
48°F
Max
69°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
54°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $96,391 and a low poverty rate of 12.9%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Costa Mesa High School and Kaiser Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Orange Coast College and Vanguard University of Southern California. 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
1,900
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 access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 91.3% 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 Memorial Medical Center
Address
9920 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone
(714) 378-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,012,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 39%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Costa Mesa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Costa Mesa handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Costa Mesa. 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
650 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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 112,958, median home value $1,012,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,650, commute time 24.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

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