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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in South Pasadena or is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa?
- South Pasadena is 1.9% less expensive than Costa Mesa.

Which city has more affordable housing, South Pasadena or Costa Mesa?
- South Pasadena housing costs are 32.3% more expensive than Costa Mesa housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa or is Health Care more affordable in South Pasadena.
- Health related expenses are 7.2% less in South Pasadena.
 Costa Mesa, CASouth Pasadena, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock161.7100
 Food & Groceries105.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.7100
 Housing347.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,529,200$338,100
 Utilities90  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock159.2100
 Miscellaneous156.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Costa Mesa

Reviews for South Pasadena    6 Reviews

i grew up in south pas, i’m currently 20. this is not a good place for individual expression. the old white people will stare you down no matter what it is that you’re  More

   |    Reply

I lived in South Pasadena from 2000-2009 and I really took it for granted until I moved. I relocated from the Midwest and I initially lived in Culver City for about  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Because of the historic nature of the neigborhoods in South Pas, it appears in many films, TV and commercials. Halloween was filmed here, as well as dozens of movies.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of South Pasadena


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.