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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Costa Mesa or is it cheaper to live in Tempe?
- Costa Mesa is 45.9% more expensive than Tempe.

Which city has more affordable housing, Costa Mesa or Tempe?
- Costa Mesa housing costs are 152.1% more expensive than Tempe housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tempe or is Health Care more affordable in Costa Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 1.0% more in Costa Mesa.
 Tempe, AZCosta Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock164.9100
 Food & Groceries98.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.4100
 Housing138.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,097,500$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.6100
 Miscellaneous105.7  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 Tempe    22 Reviews

Tempe is a very unique case of a College Town that has quickly become a Small College City or a Small City. It used to be where there was small pockets of walkability  More

   |    Reply

Tempe is a small city that definitely has nice areas, nice weather, the people are always good, and it is home of ASU. The Tempe town council has done a good job towards  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Lived in Arizona 55 yrs Phoenix /Tempe lost my job and got a offer to keep my job but had to move Fall River MA. I will take the heat over days of cold anytime . January  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tempe

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

We have a good amount of low-income, medium-income, and relatively high-income  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Costa 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.