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

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Anaheim is 46% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,082/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 15%
$90,583/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 22%
$771,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 37%
$2,165/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 14%
344,553
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $19,490/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Anaheim or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,490/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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