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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Carrollton is 49% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,674/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 43%
$99,115/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 11%
$353,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 198%
$1,689/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 46%
132,741
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $10,958/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Carrollton or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $10,958/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 Carrollton or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Costa Mesa

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman 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