Moving from Burbank, CA to Costa Mesa, CA
The 52 mi from Burbank to Costa Mesa translate to about 1h 3m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
52 mi Β· 1h 3m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 55 |
| Major cities en route | Huntington Beach, Irvine, Corona, Riverside, Jurupa Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Burbank | Costa Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Costa Mesa and Burbank are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 113.566); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.0% higher in Costa Mesa than Burbank as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Burbank -2.4%, Costa Mesa +3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Burbank | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.5" | 11.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 64.5Β°F vs 64.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BURBANK VALLEY PUMP PLT, CA US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Burbank | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,165 | 110,538 |
| Median household income | $95,816 | $110,073 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31% | 30.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.66 |
Income steps up 0.0%: $95,816 in Burbank vs $110,073 in Costa Mesa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Costa Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Costa Mesa sees only 11.2 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Burbank vs Costa Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $110,073 in Costa Mesa vs $95,816 in Burbank β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Burbank to Costa Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 52 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Costa Mesa compared to Burbank?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,413,322 in Costa Mesa vs $1,200,885 in Burbank β a 17.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Costa Mesa compare to Burbank?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Costa Mesa MSA vs $50,490 in the Burbank MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Costa Mesa, CA from Burbank, CA?
The driving distance is 52 mi and the route typically takes 1h 3m via I 5 and CA 55. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Burbank.
City profiles: Burbank, CA Β· Costa Mesa, CA.