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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa or is it cheaper to live in Poway?
- Costa Mesa is 6.5% more expensive than Poway.

Which city has more affordable housing, Costa Mesa or Poway?
- Costa Mesa housing costs are 8.4% more expensive than Poway housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Poway or is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 4.9% more in Costa Mesa.
 Poway, CACosta Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.9100
 Food & Groceries111.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.4100
 Housing320.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,097,500$338,100
 Utilities115  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.6100
 Miscellaneous153.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Poway    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Poway is a great place to live. People are friendly, neighbors watch out for each other. Great trails, beautiful views. Love to hear the birds. Family oriented. Yes  More

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Over 5 years ago

Moved here 37 years ago and love the birds singing in the morning, minimal traffic noise, and convenience to Carmel Mountain Ranch for shopping. Easy access to the  More

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I've lived here for 30 years. Back 30 years ago it was great. Small town, friendly people, etc. NOW Traffic is pretty bad but still better than most of SD county. I'm  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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