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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Arlington is 58% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,389/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 72%
$73,519/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 50%
$276,400 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 282%
$1,420/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 73%
394,769
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,006/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $12,072/year.

Median household income is $36,554/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Arlington or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,006/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $36,554/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 Arlington or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Costa Mesa details →

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