Cost of Living: Cape Coral, FL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Cape Coral

Florida
114
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Cape Coral is 50% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,751/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 37%
$76,062/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 45%
$339,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 211%
$1,523/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 62%
206,387
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cape Coral, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Cape Coral, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $34,011/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cape Coral is $339,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Cape Coral residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Coral vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Cape Coral or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cape Coral and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Cape Coral or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,062 in Cape Coral and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $34,011/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cape Coral or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,751/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 Cape Coral details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cape Coral and Costa Mesa

Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City 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