Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Cincinnati is 70% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$953/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 151%
$51,707/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 113%
$215,300 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 390%
$1,041/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 137%
309,595
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,442/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $17,304/year.

Median household income is $58,366/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,442/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,366/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Costa Mesa

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark 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