Costa Mesa vs San Diego: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,643▲ | $169,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.00▲ | $81.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,700 | $135,913▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $151,968▲ | $140,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $209,003▲ | $187,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $235,047▲ | $223,080 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 2,340▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and San Diego is $3,130 (1.85%). Costa Mesa's median is +26.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $104,347,San Diego spans $87,167. Costa Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Costa Mesa ($152,646 effective) pays 0.75% more than San Diego ($151,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,643/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,047)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,646)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Costa Mesa grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$186,372 (2024) → $166,885 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$122,580 (2019) → $163,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Costa Mesa or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to San Diego as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Costa Mesa vs San Diego?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov