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

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Bridgeport is 59% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,405/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 70%
$56,584/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 95%
$252,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 318%
$1,475/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 67%
148,012
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $990/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $11,880/year.

Median household income is $53,489/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $990/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $53,489/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bridgeport and Costa Mesa

Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria