Renting vs. Owning in Costa Mesa: What You’ll Pay
When deciding between an apartment or house in Costa Mesa, CA, cost is often a major factor. On average, renting a 2BR apartment in Costa Mesa typically costs around $2,600 per month, while a 3BR house may rent for closer to $3,800 monthly. The median rent for a 3BR single-family home in Costa Mesa is $3,795. However, the exact cost depends on the neighborhood, age of the property, and included amenities.
Over the past year, the cost of renting a house in Costa Mesa has increased by about 5%, with more affordable options found in the Westside Costa Mesa area. Apartments near South Coast Plaza tend to be pricier due to the prime location and newer construction. Renters can save by looking for units without extra amenities like a pool or fitness center.
For homebuyers, the median sale price for a house in Costa Mesa is around $1.1 million. Assuming a 20% down payment and 30-year fixed mortgage at 6%, the monthly payment would be approximately $5,300 including property taxes and insurance. While higher than renting, owning builds equity over time. [Understanding Property Tax & HOA Fees in Costa Mesa, CA](/costa-mesa-ca/property-tax-hoa/) is important when comparing long-term costs.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Costa Mesa:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage* | $2,600 | $5,300 |
| Utilities | $180 | $350 |
| Internet | $65 | $85 |
| Insurance | $15 | $120 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $250 |
| HOA | $0 | $350 |
| Total | $2,860 | $6,455 |
*Mortgage based on median home price with 20% down and 6% interest. Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to higher base rent or mortgage payments, houses in Costa Mesa tend to have greater utility and maintenance costs compared to apartments:
- Water/sewer – Houses use 25-50% more water for laundry, dishes, and especially irrigation. Expect $80-120/month.
- Electricity – Cooling a larger space increases electric bills. Many Costa Mesa homes still use less efficient AC. Plan for $150-250/month in summer.
- Gas – Houses with gas heating, water heaters, dryers and stoves may pay $50-100/month more than apartments.
- Landscaping – Basic lawn mowing starts at $80/month. Irrigation repairs and tree trimming add to the cost.
- Pest control – Routine treatments are $50-80/month. Larger lots are more prone to ants, spiders, etc.
The age and condition of the house are also factors. Older Costa Mesa homes may have dated appliances, single-pane windows, or deferred maintenance that increase upkeep costs. Newer luxury apartments are more energy-efficient and have lower maintenance needs included in the rent.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
For many renters, the convenience of an apartment outweighs the extra space of a house. Costa Mesa apartments are often located in walkable areas near shopping, dining and entertainment. Some complexes offer on-site amenities like a pool, gym, or dog park that add to the lifestyle value.
However, apartments come with certain tradeoffs. Shared walls mean less privacy and potential noise from neighbors. Most apartments have limited outdoor space, if any. Rules around pets, parking, and guests can also be restrictive. Families with children or pets often prefer the extra room and yard space a house provides.
Commute is another consideration. Houses in Costa Mesa are more likely to be located in residential areas, which may mean a longer drive to work or school. But apartments near major employers or the 405 freeway offer easier access and shorter commute times.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Costa Mesa?
While renting is almost always cheaper than owning on a monthly basis, buying a home can be more economical long-term. Assuming a 20% down payment, 6% interest rate, and 3% annual appreciation, a Costa Mesa homeowner would pay around $2,100 per month after 5 years including the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. That’s over $700 less than the average rent for a 3BR house, which is likely to keep rising.
Of course, this scenario assumes the owner stays in the home at least 5 years and is comfortable with the upfront costs and responsibilities of ownership. Renters have more flexibility to move and fewer surprise expenses. But in a market like Costa Mesa with high rents and steady appreciation, owning can pay off if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Costa Mesa
How much more does a house cost than an apartment in Costa Mesa?
On average, a 3BR house in Costa Mesa costs about $1,200 more per month than a 2BR apartment when you factor in rent/mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and other expenses. That adds up to over $14,000 per year.
Do houses always have higher utility bills?
While every property is different, houses in Costa Mesa typically have 20-30% higher utility costs than apartments. The biggest drivers are more space to heat and cool, higher water usage, and less efficient appliances and windows in older homes.
How do pet costs compare between apartments and houses?
Most Costa Mesa apartments charge pet rent from $50-100 per month, plus a few hundred dollars as a pet deposit. Some have breed or size restrictions. Houses give more flexibility for pets but may require more spent on a fence, lawn treatments, and cleaning.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Costa Mesa
Deciding between an apartment or house in Costa Mesa comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Renting an apartment is cheaper on a monthly basis and offers convenience and flexibility. But the lifetime cost of ownership can be lower, with the added benefits of more space, privacy, and freedom to customize your home.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to [understand how much it costs to live in Costa Mesa each month](/costa-mesa-ca/monthly-budget/) so you can find the right fit for your finances. Budgeting for the total cost of rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and maintenance sets you up for success as a renter or owner in this vibrant OC community.