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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Arlington is 11% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,275/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 5%
$140,160/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 21%
$864,800 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 22%
$2,414/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 2%
235,463
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $30,087/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

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 203 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $30,087/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Costa Mesa

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