North Coast, California, often referred to simply as the North Coast, is a charming region known for its stunning coastline, comfortable climate, and welcoming communities. Costa Mesa, California, on the other hand, is a vibrant suburban city located in Orange County, known for its thriving economy, top-tier educational opportunities, and lively culture. Both locations offer unique living experiences with their own sets of advantages.
Safety is a key consideration for anyone considering moving to a new city. In North Coast, the crime rate varies by community but is generally lower than the national average, providing residents and tourists alike with a sense of security and peace. Costa Mesa, however, has crime rates slightly above the national average, though it offers comprehensive policing and safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of its residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living can vary considerably between these two areas. Costa Mesa, with its higher real estate prices, robust economy, and accessibility to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, tends to be more expensive. On the other hand, the North Coast, while still above national averages due to California's overall higher cost of living, can offer a more affordable experience depending on the specific community.
Income Tax
Both locations are subject to the California state income tax. The state has a progressive income tax system, which can range from just over 1% to 13.3% for the highest earners.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Costa Mesa and the North Coast adhere to California's overall property tax laws. However, these rates may vary slightly depending on local amendments and specific community assessments.
Sales Tax
Both Costa Mesa and the North Coast fall under California's statewide sales tax rate, which is higher than the national average. However, Costa Mesa has an additional city sales tax.
Income
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Estimated median household income
$102,807
$97,904
Estimated per capita income
$50,809
$51,961
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
90.1
If you make $50,000 in Costa Mesa, you will have to make $53,330 in North Coast to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Costa Mesa is located near the Pacific coast, offering beautiful seaside landscapes and direct beach access, while enjoying the benefits of urban suburban life. North Coast is known for its rugged beauty, from towering redwood forests, rivers, wineries to its stunning coastline along the Pacific Ocean – a paradise for nature lovers.
Geographical information
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Land area
59.4 sq. miles
15.6 sq. miles
Population density
6,335.5 people per sq. mile
7,086 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
North Coast, CA Costa Mesa, CA
Education
Both regions offer excellent education options. The North Coast is home to a number of high-ranking public and private schools, and the area prides itself on a strong arts education emphasis, resulting in a creative and well-rounded student body. Costa Mesa also offers robust public, private, and charter schools. Moreover, it houses Orange Coast College and Vanguard University, providing great higher education opportunities.
Costa Mesa boasts a robust economy with diverse job opportunities, particularly in retail, services, and professional sectors. The city's close proximity to Los Angeles opens up additional working possibilities. The North Coast, while it doesn't match Costa Mesa's economic dynamism, offers opportunities in healthcare, education, and, thanks to its stunning coastline, the tourism sector.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Costa Mesa are Experian, Coast Community College District Foundation, and automobile dealerships such as South Coast Plaza. The North Coast's economy is supported by significant employers like Mendocino Coast District Hospital, College of the Redwoods, and various wine vineyards and breweries.
Weather
In terms of weather, both regions offer advantages. Costa Mesa boasts a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The North Coast enjoys a more varied climate, with moist, cool winters and warm, drier summers. The coastal air keeps conditions comfortable, and the area's stunning natural beauty is always a draw.
Weather and climate
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
63.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.2%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.7%
26.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.7%
78.2%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13 in
12.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
21.8%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
84.6%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
62.8%
Wind speed - Average
6 mph
5.8 mph
Average climate in North Coast, California
Average climate in Costa Mesa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
North Coast
Costa Mesa
2018
119
119
0.35
0.33
14.4
14.3
26.1
27.7
N/A
N/A
27.5
27.5
12.6
12.5
0.7
0.7
2017
116
116
0.34
0.28
13.8
12.6
28.8
31.3
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
13.8
13.8
0.5
0.5
2016
102
102
0.33
0.25
12.2
10.1
29.3
31.7
N/A
N/A
24.1
24.1
12.5
12.5
0.2
0.1
2015
106
106
0.32
0.25
13.2
11.3
29.8
32.4
N/A
N/A
25.0
25.0
14.5
14.5
0.2
0.1
2014
110
110
0.29
0.22
12.9
10.8
28.6
30.6
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
15.5
15.6
0.4
0.3
2013
107
107
0.34
0.26
13.9
11.8
27.8
29.8
0.003
0.003
29.5
29.4
14.2
14.1
0.3
0.2
2012
103
103
0.30
0.18
12.7
9.9
26.8
28.2
0.004
0.004
28.2
28.0
14.3
14.4
0.1
0.1
2011
109
109
0.31
0.23
14.7
11.9
27.0
28.5
0.006
0.006
27.7
27.7
15.9
15.9
0.7
0.6
2010
102
102
0.33
0.24
14.3
11.3
26.2
27.8
0.011
0.011
23.6
23.6
14.0
14.1
0.6
0.6
2009
118
118
0.35
0.29
15.5
13.1
27.6
29.4
0.009
0.010
24.3
24.3
14.5
14.6
1.1
1.1
2008
124
124
0.39
0.35
16.5
13.3
28.2
30.5
0.010
0.008
29.5
29.6
21.6
21.6
1.1
1.1
2007
100
100
0.36
0.31
16.3
13.3
27.0
28.7
0.012
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
114
109
0.40
0.33
17.2
14.5
26.4
27.3
0.007
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
95
91
0.39
0.30
17.7
13.7
27.9
29.8
0.012
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
119
118
0.50
0.46
19.2
15.5
30.5
31.5
0.014
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
122
116
0.64
0.60
21.9
18.5
28.9
33.7
0.030
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2002
106
103
0.65
0.56
22.0
18.1
25.5
29.0
0.018
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.6
2001
116
109
0.73
0.66
22.0
17.3
25.4
28.4
0.033
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.4
2000
125
116
0.80
0.81
24.4
19.6
24.0
26.7
0.027
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.6%
18.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,843.6%
6,824.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Public transportation is more accessible and frequent in Costa Mesa, with buses and plenty of highway access for commuters. North Coast, being more rural and spread out, relies more on car commuting, though public transport like buses and trains, as well as biking, are also options.
Transport
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
119
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
8
Means of transportation to work
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Bicycle
0.7%
0.7%
Bus
1.2%
0.7%
Carpooled
10.7%
9.3%
Car alone
81.4%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Average
28.8 min
27.1 min
Real Estate
As with many California locations, real estate can be pricey, but it varies. In Costa Mesa, the median home value is significantly higher than the national average. Properties in North Coast can be more affordable, yet it also depends on the exact location within the region.
Neighborhoods
Costa Mesa offers diverse neighborhoods with a mix of residential and commercial areas, with some offering a more traditional suburban feel, and others presenting a more urban setting with condos and townhomes. North Coast offers a variety of communities, from more densely populated areas like Eureka to smaller, more secluded communities. Each offers unique atmospheres and amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
Houses
137,450
45,564
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.7
Houses occupied
133,254 (96.9%)
43,711 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
84,546 (63.4%)
17,501 (40%)
Houses occupied by renters
48,708 (36.6%)
26,210 (60%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,340
$3,447
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$642,079
Estimated median house or condo value
$883,291
$930,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.9
Renting percentage
37.7%
60.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,312.7
2,915.3
Household income disparities
41.2%
40.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,396 (19.5%)
285 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
282 (0.4%)
731 (5.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
55,188 (80.5%)
13,659 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
6,297 (9.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,643 (11.1%)
1,186 (8.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
1.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,532
8,250
State government workers
5,751
2,439
Unpaid family workers
744
45
Industries and Occupations
Primary industries in Costa Mesa include retail trade, health care and social assistance. The most common occupations are in management, business, science, and arts. In the North Coast, the healthcare sector is significant, followed by educational services and retail trade. Common occupations here are in service, sales, and office roles.
Health Care
Both Costa Mesa and the North Coast offer excellent healthcare facilities. In Costa Mesa, residents have access to quality hospitals, clinics, and urgent-care centers. The North Coast, despite its overall more rural nature, also provides sound healthcare options with hospitals and clinics spread evenly across the region.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in the North Coast tends to be more rural and spread out, although it's continually developing. However, the area still offers all essential amenities, including healthcare facilities, schools, and retail outlets, while providing the charm of a less urban environment. Costa Mesa, on the other hand, features more developed infrastructure, with excellent healthcare facilities, numerous retail locations, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Infrastructure
Type
North Coast
Costa Mesa
TV stations
2
2
Culture and Food
The North Coast is cultural heaven for nature, arts, and wine lovers. Numerous festivals, galleries, theatres, and vineyards dot the region. Local cuisines emphasize fresh, locally sourced seafood, vineyard products, and farm produce. Costa Mesa, dubbed the 'City of the Arts', is also teeming with cultural and culinary experiences. Renowned for its upscale shopping, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, it's a gem for food and art enthusiasts.
Sports Teams
While neither the North Coast nor Costa Mesa have major professional sports teams, they are located in California, which is home to numerous NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL teams. Costa Mesa, specifically, is closer to sports venues like the Staples Center and Angel Stadium.
North Coast, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
