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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa or is it cheaper to live in Princeton?
- Costa Mesa is 57.6% more expensive than Princeton.

Which city has more affordable housing, Costa Mesa or Princeton?
- Costa Mesa housing costs are 44.4% more expensive than Princeton housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Princeton or is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 4.1% less in Costa Mesa.
 Princeton, NJCosta Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.9100
 Food & Groceries115.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.4100
 Housing241.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,097,500$338,100
 Utilities114  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.6100
 Miscellaneous125.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Princeton    5 Reviews

Many cities have colleges in them, but Princeton's character and quality of life are very deeply influenced by having such an outstanding school contributing to all  More

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Over 16 years ago

police are very quick to respond and resolve crime problems. very safe place to live. when you feel safe, all other issues are  More

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You'll never lose on a real estate investment in Princeton. It has that cache that people always desire. McCarter Theatre, University concerts, fine dining, great  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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