2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Costa Mesa, CA vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Costa Mesa?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 4.1 years older than in Costa Mesa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Costa Mesa?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 14.6% less expensive than Costa Mesa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Costa Mesa?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 3.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Costa Mesa.

Things to do in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa, California is an upscale beach-side city located in the Orange County region of Southern California. With its sunny days, mild winters, and beautiful beaches, Costa Mesa provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From world-class shopping malls to award-winning art galleries and top-notch dining options, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal town. For those looking for active outdoor pursuits, Costa Mesa offers plenty of parks, trails and other nature activities; whatever your interests may be - you're sure to find something to enjoy here!

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, California markets itself as the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with numerous parks, shopping centers, and miles of trails giving visitors plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

 Costa Mesa, CALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$96,391  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,097,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.45  Unlock26.38
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 Lake Forest    16 Reviews

I've lived in Lake Forest for over a decade, before that elsewhere in OC and also up in LA. Lake Forest isn't perfect but it's really improved over the past decade,  More

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As a retired senior who has lived in Lake Forest (formerly El Toro) since 1977 I think LF is a great place if you can afford it. When we moved here in June '77 homes  More

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I’ve lived here for 2 years. Ok, it’s more like a 4 but there are so many idiots downplaying what it’s like here and giving Lake Forest ones and twos. There are a lot of  More

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