Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Chicago is 56% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,380/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 74%
$75,134/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 47%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 235%
$1,502/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 64%
2,707,648
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,015/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $12,180/year.

Median household income is $34,939/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Chicago or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,015/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $34,939/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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