La Mesa, CA vs. Escondido, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between La Mesa and Escondido, two San Diego suburbs. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in La Mesa vs Escondido in 2025.
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Robinsons, both looking to relocate to the San Diego area. The Garcias, a family of four, are considering a 3-bedroom home in La Mesa with a monthly rent of $3,200. Meanwhile, the Robinsons, a couple, are eyeing a 2-bedroom apartment in Escondido for $2,400 per month.
When it comes to groceries, the Garcias estimate spending around $1,100 per month to feed their family in La Mesa. The Robinsons, on the other hand, budget $700 for groceries in Escondido. But which city offers the better overall cost of living? Let’s break it down.
Housing Costs: La Mesa vs Escondido
Housing is often the biggest expense in any cost of living comparison. Here’s how typical rental prices compare in La Mesa and Escondido:
| Housing Type | La Mesa | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House | $3,200 | $2,900 |
🏆 Winner: Escondido. Rent prices are generally 10-15% lower in Escondido compared to La Mesa.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2-3 bedroom home. Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in La Mesa and Escondido.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are slightly lower in Escondido compared to La Mesa. A family of four might spend $1,100 per month on groceries in La Mesa, while the same groceries would cost around $1,000 in Escondido. Eating out and everyday purchases are similarly priced.
🏆 Winner: Escondido, but only by a small margin. Expect to save 5-10% on groceries living in Escondido vs La Mesa.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 1.1-1.2% of assessed value. City service fees and HOA dues are also comparable, typically ranging from $200-400 per month depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Tax rates and city fees are nearly identical between La Mesa and Escondido.
Cost of Living Summary
| Expense | La Mesa | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $3,200 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $750 | $750 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,000 | $5,600 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). See our guide to Sample Monthly Budgets for La Mesa in 2025 for more details.
Lifestyle Fit
While Escondido offers a lower overall cost of living, there are tradeoffs to consider. La Mesa is more centrally located in San Diego County, with easier access to major freeways and a shorter average commute. La Mesa also has a more walkable downtown area.
On the other hand, Escondido offers more space for the money, with larger homes and apartments available at lower price points. Escondido also averages about 5°F warmer than La Mesa during summer months.
For a full overview, read our guide to the Cost of Living in La Mesa – Housing, Groceries, Taxes & More.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Mesa more affordable than Escondido?
No, Escondido has a lower overall cost of living than La Mesa, primarily due to lower housing costs.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Escondido has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment is about $400 cheaper per month in Escondido vs La Mesa.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices and property taxes are lower in Escondido compared to La Mesa. Expect to pay 10-15% less for a comparable home in Escondido.
Conclusion
For families like the Garcias and Robinsons, choosing between La Mesa and Escondido comes down to budget and lifestyle priorities. Escondido offers a lower cost of living, with cheaper housing, groceries, and more space for the money. However, La Mesa boasts a more central location, shorter commutes, and a vibrant downtown area.
Ultimately, both La Mesa and Escondido are great places to call home in the San Diego area. We recommend comparing cost of living figures like these for any cities you’re considering in a move. Check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular cities in California and beyond.