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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Brownsville is 76% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$906/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 164%
$48,675/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 126%
$122,400 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 762%
$830/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 197%
188,023
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,489/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $17,868/year.

Median household income is $61,398/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Brownsville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,489/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $61,398/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 Brownsville or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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 Brownsville details → View Costa Mesa details →

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