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

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Arvada is 33% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,802/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 33%
$113,396/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 3%
$600,800 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 76%
$1,948/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 26%
122,835
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $3,323/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Arvada or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,323/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Costa Mesa details →

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