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Elizabeth Lake, CA vs Mountain Mesa, CA

127
Elizabeth Lake
California
VS
+35.3%
94
Mountain Mesa
California

The cost of living difference between Elizabeth Lake, CA and Mountain Mesa, CA is dramatic. Mountain Mesa is 35.3% cheaper than Elizabeth Lake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elizabeth Lake has a cost index of 127 while Mountain Mesa sits at 94, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Elizabeth Lake are $381,500 compared to $219,800 in Mountain Mesa, a 74% gap.

Median household income in Elizabeth Lake is $102,333 compared to $60,231 in Mountain Mesa (+69.9%). While Elizabeth Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income.

Climate-wise, Mountain Mesa is notably warmer with an average of 66.2°F compared to 62.1°F in Elizabeth Lake. Elizabeth Lake receives more rainfall at 6.8" per year compared to 6.4" in Mountain Mesa.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Elizabeth Lake
127
Mountain Mesa
94
26% cheaper
Median Household Income
Elizabeth Lake
$102,333
41% higher
Mountain Mesa
$60,231

Housing

Median Rent
Elizabeth Lake
$1,833
Mountain Mesa
Median Home Value
Elizabeth Lake
$381,500
Mountain Mesa
$219,800
42% cheaper
Population
Elizabeth Lake
1,677
Mountain Mesa
587

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Elizabeth Lake $2,031
Mountain Mesa $1,440
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Elizabeth Lake $2,272
Mountain Mesa $1,630
28% cheaper
2 Bed
Elizabeth Lake $2,835
Mountain Mesa $2,070
27% cheaper
3 Bed
Elizabeth Lake $3,599
Mountain Mesa $2,650
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Elizabeth Lake $4,010
Mountain Mesa $2,920
27% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Elizabeth Lake $3.28
Mountain Mesa $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Elizabeth Lake $2.68
Mountain Mesa $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Elizabeth Lake $4.31
Mountain Mesa $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Elizabeth Lake $1.98
Mountain Mesa $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Elizabeth Lake $4.44
Mountain Mesa $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Elizabeth Lake $0.27
Mountain Mesa $0.28
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Elizabeth Lake 62.1°F
Mountain Mesa 66.2°F
Summer High
Elizabeth Lake 98°F
Mountain Mesa 98°F
Winter Low
Elizabeth Lake 31°F
Mountain Mesa 41°F
Rainfall
Elizabeth Lake 6.8"
Mountain Mesa 6.4"
Rainy Days
Elizabeth Lake 28d
Mountain Mesa 38d