Costa Mesa, CA vs. Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Orange County, California? This article compares the cost of living in Costa Mesa versus Santa Ana. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of these two cities in 2025.
Which City Wins on Cost?
While Costa Mesa and Santa Ana are neighboring cities, their costs of living do differ. Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to see which is more affordable across major expense categories.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $2,800 | $2,500 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $4,200 | $3,800 |
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Santa Ana compared to Costa Mesa.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, as they share the same climate and providers. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Larger homes may see bills closer to $350-400, especially in summer with air conditioning.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Both cities have a mix of major supermarkets, local grocers, and specialty food stores. Prices for staples like milk, eggs, bread, and produce are similar. Eating out costs a bit more in Costa Mesa due to its higher concentration of upscale restaurants.
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana. Grocery costs are comparable, but dining out is slightly cheaper in Santa Ana.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are around 1.1% in both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, due to higher home values, Costa Mesa residents typically pay more in actual dollars. City service fees and HOA ranges are similar between the two.
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana. With lower home values, Santa Ana has a slight edge on property taxes.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,800 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Misc | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,150 | $3,780 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Santa Ana is more affordable, Costa Mesa offers perks like closer beach access, more upscale dining and shopping, and slightly lower crime rates. Santa Ana has a more urban feel with greater diversity. Commute times are 10-20% longer in Santa Ana.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Costa Mesa more affordable than Santa Ana?
A: No, Santa Ana is generally 10-15% cheaper than Costa Mesa, mainly due to lower housing costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Santa Ana has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment runs about $2,500/month compared to $2,800 in Costa Mesa.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Home prices and mortgage payments are lower in Santa Ana. The median home price is around $950,000 in Santa Ana versus $1.1M in Costa Mesa.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Santa Ana comes out ahead on affordability, with lower costs for housing, dining out, and property taxes. However, Costa Mesa may be worth the premium for those prioritizing beach access, upscale amenities, and slightly shorter commutes.
Budgets are personal, so consider your own lifestyle and spending habits too. See how much it costs to live in Costa Mesa each month to estimate your expenses in more detail.