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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Cambridge is 5% more expensive than Costa Mesa.

$2,742/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↓ 13%
$126,469/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 13%
$1,040,500 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 1%
$2,634/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↓ 7%
117,794
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

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Costa Mesa, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $16,396/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Cambridge or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Costa Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 228 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $16,396/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Costa Mesa

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland 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