2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ithaca, NY vs La Mesa, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in La Mesa or is it cheaper to live in Ithaca?
- La Mesa is 65.5% more expensive than Ithaca.

Which city has more affordable housing, La Mesa or Ithaca?
- La Mesa housing costs are 151.3% more expensive than Ithaca housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ithaca or is Health Care more affordable in La Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 23.5% less in La Mesa.
 Ithaca, NYLa Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries104.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing100.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$737,200$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock119.9100
 Miscellaneous151.5  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 Ithaca    32 Reviews

BILL · 

For a small city, its downtown has grown significantly and serves as the hub of the community. The Ithaca Commons remains the central gathering space for locals,  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Great place to live. Lots to do, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Don't fear the winter--it's even beautiful then. Only complaint is the housing market. Way  More

   |    Reply

I was born, raised, educated there (Ithaca High and Cornell). In my opinion, before leaving to pursue my career, it seemed like the most beautiful, clean, low crime,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ithaca

Reviews for La Mesa    9 Reviews

The same San Diego prices and high taxes, but not the nice weather. 15 degrees hotter than the coast. Save the money and move to AZ if you like the climate in La Mesa.  More

   |    Reply

I now live in Wyoming but I was a third generation San Diegan, my maternal grandmother having been born on Coronado Island in 1894. If you are a new arrival to the  More

   |    Reply

I Need Correct Information I lived there Over 20 Years  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of La Mesa


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.