Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Abilene is 157% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,106/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 117%
$62,720/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$178,900 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 490%
$1,114/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 121%
127,130
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,289/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $15,468/year.

Median household income is $47,353/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Abilene or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,289/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,353/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Costa Mesa details →