2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Costa Mesa, CA vs Carmichael, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carmichael or is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa?
- Carmichael is 22.9% less expensive than Costa Mesa.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carmichael or Costa Mesa?
- Carmichael housing costs are 48.7% less expensive than Costa Mesa housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa or is Health Care more affordable in Carmichael.
- Health related expenses are 11.3% more in Carmichael.
 Costa Mesa, CACarmichael, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock127.2100
 Food & Groceries105.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.0100
 Housing347.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$517,700$338,100
 Utilities90  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock121.2100
 Miscellaneous156.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Costa Mesa    8 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

Costa mesa has awesome shopping but is way too crowded and I have had 3 cars stolen in the past 5 years along with countless break-ins and theft. Expensive. Close to  More

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Over 16 years ago

Costa Mesa has a near perfect climate . . . plenty of sun but rarely over 100 degrees (our house doesn't even have AC). Nestled between Newport Beach and Huntington  More

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We have a good amount of low-income, medium-income, and relatively high-income  More

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Reviews for Carmichael    10 Reviews

We lived in Sacramento since 1978, and in Carmichael since 2019. We’re very happy here. Carmichael is one of the nicer suburbs of Sacramento. The part of Carmichael that  More

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Hello I am moving to california. I would like to stay in the northern area. I am moving from minnesota. I cant stand the weather here. I am looking for be able to raise  More

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Hi Barabara I read your take on Carmichael and am glad to see it is a nice town, I'm wondering what areas I should avoid living in? I may be moving there soon and I  More

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