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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Boston is 23% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,093/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 14%
$94,755/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 16%
$710,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 48%
$2,176/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 13%
663,972
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $15,318/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Boston or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $15,318/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Costa Mesa details →

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