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

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Clearwater is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,539/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 56%
$64,440/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 71%
$326,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 223%
$1,411/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 74%
117,075
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $45,633/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Clearwater or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $45,633/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 Clearwater or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/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 Clearwater details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clearwater and Costa Mesa

Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville 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