2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Highlands Ranch, CO vs Costa Mesa, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa or is it cheaper to live in Highlands Ranch?
- Costa Mesa is 14.8% more expensive than Highlands Ranch.

Which city has more affordable housing, Costa Mesa or Highlands Ranch?
- Costa Mesa housing costs are 53.0% more expensive than Highlands Ranch housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Highlands Ranch or is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 12.4% more in Costa Mesa.
 Highlands Ranch, COCosta Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.9100
 Food & Groceries103.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.4100
 Housing227.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,097,500$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.6100
 Miscellaneous156.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Highlands Ranch    20 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I was born and raised in Highlands Ranch and I know what you’re thinking. “This is a rich girl.” I am not. My parents moved here before it became rich and boujie and the  More

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Worked in the DTC and HR was an easy commute. The people are yuppy- scum-snobs, who do not thank you for holding the door open for their 3+ children, noses held high in  More

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Over 11 years ago

When we moved here from Denver, about 2.5 yrs ago, I did note the affluence, lack of diversity (compared to Denver) and seeming Stepford Wives phenomenon. It is all  More

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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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