By Manuella Irwin
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
355 movers in Costa Mesa
What to know when moving to Costa Mesa, CA
TL;DR: Costa Mesa at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 46.3% hold a bachelor's degree and 58% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income of $117,627, making it a prosperous area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,520, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1.8% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,520/mo rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Costa Mesa features a population of about 50,569, with a median household income of $117,627, which reflects a relatively affluent community. The area has a strong renter presence, with 58% of residents renting their homes, and 46.3% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Expect mild winters with around 16 rainy days, which might be good news for those who prefer drier weather.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a robust public transit system, as only 1.8% of residents commute using it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,520, which can strain budgets compared to other areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $1,037,700, indicating a competitive housing market.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
- About 58% of the population are renters, reflecting the area's appeal to those who prefer flexibility.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
California's crime rates reflect a mixed picture with property crime rates higher than the national average but showing a downward trend over recent years.
- Violent crime rate: 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 1,764 per 100,000 residents, 14% higher than the national average.
- Notable trend: Violent crime decreased by 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Costa Mesa has access to a range of educational institutions, with a total of 52 schools in the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 52
- With College Scorecard data: 50
- Notable nearby institutions include Coast Community College and Vanguard University of Southern California.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Orange County sees about 15.6 inches of rain annually, with 42 rainy days. Most rain occurs in winter, while summer remains quite dry.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out: Disneyland Park (4.6 stars, 126,395 reviews), Disney California Adventure Park (4.7 stars, 77,237 reviews), and TeWinkle Park (4.7 stars, 1,494 reviews).
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Orange County, the job market is solid with a low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 1,578,358 individuals in the workforce.
- Labor force: 1,642,351 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
