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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Amarillo is 70% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,049/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 128%
$62,469/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 76%
$186,800 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 465%
$1,074/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 129%
200,945
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,346/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $16,152/year.

Median household income is $47,604/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Amarillo or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,346/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,604/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 Amarillo or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Costa Mesa

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria