Cost of living in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County, California, is known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to beautiful beaches. Understanding the cost of living in Costa Mesa is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19 on average, with a range between $12 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $45 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $12 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3.25 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.25 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.48 per liter, averaging $1.09.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.42 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $4, averaging $3.46.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.59 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $7.72 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.25, with a cost of $0 per km and $0 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $23,200 and $36,753.89, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $21,500 to $35,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2596 to $3000, averaging $2798.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2100 to $2700, averaging $2466.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3159 to $4500, averaging $3953.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3800 to $4000, averaging $3900.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $255, averaging $250.31.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $80, with an average cost of $66.5.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Costa Mesa offers a vibrant lifestyle with a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining.
While transportation and utilities are moderately priced, groceries can vary significantly, offering opportunities to save.
Potential residents should budget carefully, especially for housing, which is a significant expense in this city.
Conclusion
Costa Mesa, CA, presents a dynamic living environment with a cost of living that reflects its desirable location and amenities.
While the city offers many attractions and conveniences, prospective residents should be prepared for higher housing costs and plan their budgets accordingly.
Overall, Costa Mesa is an attractive option for those who value lifestyle and proximity to cultural and recreational activities.