Costa Mesa Housing Update: Prices Edge Up as Inventory Stays Tight
Costa Mesa, CA – March 8, 2026 – Home prices remain elevated with modest annual gains, limited inventory, and competitive conditions across key neighborhoods.
Top takeaways
- Median sale price around $1.46M–$1.50M, up roughly 2% year over year.
- Homes average about 50 days on market, slightly longer than last year.
- Roughly 100 active listings at the end of January.
- Nearly half of recent sales closed above list price.
Market snapshot
Recent data show the median sale price in Costa Mesa at about $1.46 million in January 2026, up 2.5% from a year earlier. Homes are selling in about 50 days on average, compared with a faster pace last year. Thirty-five homes closed in January, a modest dip from the same month in 2025.
Zillow’s latest figures put the typical home value near $1.35 million, up 2.1% year over year, with homes going pending in roughly two weeks. Inventory stood at 99 homes at the end of January, with 36 new listings added during the month. The median list price was about $1.55 million, and the median sale-to-list ratio hovered around parity, with nearly 47% of sales closing above asking.
Realtor.com continues to characterize the area as a seller’s market, reflecting steady demand relative to available supply.
What’s for sale
Current listings span a wide range of price points and property types:
- Single-family homes in neighborhoods such as Mesa Verde and Westside commonly list from the mid-$1 million range upward.
- Eastside properties and larger homes near the Back Bay often command significantly higher prices.
With limited inventory and steady pricing, buyers are seeing less volatility than in prior years but still face competition for well-located homes.
Outlook
Year-over-year appreciation has moderated to low single digits, suggesting a more balanced pace compared with earlier surges. Inventory remains relatively tight, which continues to support pricing. As the spring market unfolds, new listings and buyer activity will be key indicators to watch.
Are you noticing more listings or stronger competition in your neighborhood this season?
Sources
https://www.redfin.com/city/4306/CA/Costa-Mesa/housing-market
https://www.zillow.com/home-values/38032/costa-mesa-ca/
https://www.realtor.com/local/market/california/orange-county/costa-mesa