2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Diego, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Costa Mesa older or younger than people in San Diego?
- The Median Age in Costa Mesa is 0.6 years older than in San Diego.

Are housing costs cheaper in Costa Mesa or San Diego?
- Costa Mesa housing costs are 31.7% more expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Costa Mesa or San Diego?
- The average commute for residents of Costa Mesa is 1.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Diego.

Things to do in San Diego?
San Diego, California is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. From world-famous attractions like the iconic Balboa Park and SeaWorld, to serene beaches and lush parks - San Diego offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. The city's dynamic neighborhoods offer an array of shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural experiences - making it perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten path. With its mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in paradise!

Things to do in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa, California is an upscale beach-side city located in the Orange County region of Southern California. With its sunny days, mild winters, and beautiful beaches, Costa Mesa provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From world-class shopping malls to award-winning art galleries and top-notch dining options, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal town. For those looking for active outdoor pursuits, Costa Mesa offers plenty of parks, trails and other nature activities; whatever your interests may be - you're sure to find something to enjoy here!

 San Diego, CACosta Mesa, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock112,148329,725,481
 Median Income$89,457  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3638.4
 Avg. Home Price$833,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  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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