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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Salinas or is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa?
- Salinas is 7.9% less expensive than Costa Mesa.

Which city has more affordable housing, Salinas or Costa Mesa?
- Salinas housing costs are 38.1% less expensive than Costa Mesa housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa or is Health Care more affordable in Salinas.
- Health related expenses are 53.9% more in Salinas.
 Costa Mesa, CASalinas, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.9100
 Food & Groceries105.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock143.7100
 Housing347.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$665,400$338,100
 Utilities90  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock100.4100
 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 Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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