Costa Mesa, CA vs Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Costa Mesa is 26.9% cheaper than Rancho Palos Verdes. With a cost index of 199 vs 273, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Costa Mesa to Rancho Palos Verdes should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Costa Mesa is $2,395/month compared to $3,501/month in Rancho Palos Verdes — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Costa Mesa is more affordable at $1,054,700 median vs $1,541,400.

Median household income in Costa Mesa is $110,073 compared to $175,307 in Rancho Palos Verdes (-37.2%). While Rancho Palos Verdes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Costa Mesa spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 24% in Rancho Palos Verdes.